A nurse has just collected a specimen for an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)test.Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
A)Place the specimen in the refrigerator for storage until the following day, when it may be transported to the laboratory.
B)Prepare the specimen for immediate transport to the laboratory at room temperature.
C)Place the specimen in a plastic bag and then in an ice slurry for immediate transportation to the laboratory.
D)Place the specimen in an insulated pouch for delivery to the laboratory later in the day.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

ACTH is a peptide hormone and is sensitive to temperature. It degrades quickly at room temperature, so it must be kept cold to preserve its integrity until it can be analyzed in the laboratory. Placing the specimen in a plastic bag and then in an ice slurry for immediate transportation to the laboratory is the best way to ensure the sample remains viable for accurate testing.

A Nurse Has Just Collected a Specimen for an Adrenocorticotropic