Drainage and Speciman Collection

Drainage and Speciman collection

Drainage and Speciman Collection can involve an assortment of orifaces and types of drainage. I have(I think ) narrowed the common elements to que myself of all the proper steps. As with all AOC, the established guidelines must be followed. This means , if you are collecting from a sterile source, such as a catheterized urine sample collection, sterile gloves must be worn, pt dignity and privacy maintained,and Standard Precautions must be used when collecting any drainage or speciman since, it is a body fluid. I will put a towel or a chux under the tube/body part the sample is coming from so as not to soil the patient or bed.It is not a Critical Element but it is a nice touch and will be noted and appeciated.
CORD
C-CLEANSE the site the speciman will be obtained from.This may be designated.If it is not, ask or consult the policy/procedure manual on the unit.

O-OBSERVE/OBTAIN . Observe the characteristics of the drainage including : color, odor,
consistency, amount (COCA). Obtain sample,placing it in the appropriate container with a label.

R-REPORT dispostion of sample to primary nurse.

D-DOCUMENT- Document data related to the COCA of sample, dispostion of sample, the procedure involved in obtaining sample, and that report given

A sample of documentation may be: Patient rinsed mouth out with water. After several deep breaths and a forceful cough, was able to expectorate a small amount of thick ,green musty smelling sputum into a speciman container.Sputum speciman labelled and placed in Lab fridge. primary nurse notified of preceding.

If a sample from a foley, or NG continuous suction is obtained, it is not counted to output unless hourly I&O is in effect. Maintain suction, or continuity of a foley as it may be a Critical Element.