MEDICAL SPECIMEN
KELOMPOK 5
ADEFINITION AND VARIOUS TYPES OF MEDICAL
SPECIMENS USED IN THE HEALTHCARE FIELD
Medical Specimens
– Definition & Common Types
Definition:
Medical specimens are biological materials collected from the human body for clinical
examination, diagnosis, treatment evaluation, or research.
Purpose: :
Detect abnormalities
Monitor disease progression
Support evidence-based decisions
Common Types:
Blood – CBC, glucose, liver function, infections, chronic disease monitoring.
Urine – UTIs, kidney function, pregnancy tests, drug screening.
Tissue (Biopsy) – Cancer diagnosis, inflammation, infections.
Saliva – Hormones, infectious diseases, genetic testing (non-invasive).
ADDITIONAL SPECIMENS &
CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Additional Types:
Sputum – Respiratory infections (TB, pneumonia).
Stool – Parasites, occult blood, digestive disorders.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) – Meningitis, multiple sclerosis, brain infections.
Other Specimens:
- Amniotic fluid (prenatal testing)
- Synovial fluid (arthritis)
- Pleural fluid (lungs)
- Bone marrow (blood cancers)
HOW MEDICAL SPECIMENS ARE COLLECTED, HANDLED,
AND STORED TO ENSUREACCURACY AND SAFETY
Collection & Handling of Medical Specimens
Collection:
Use sterile equipment to avoid contamination.
Confirm patient ID and prepare (e.g., fasting).
Follow proper methods for:
Blood: Via vein
Urine: Clean-catch
Tissue: Biopsy/surgery
Saliva/Sputum: Collected under guidance
Handling:
Label correctly (name, ID, date, specimen type)
Avoid exposure to air, light, or heat
Transport quickly in suitable conditions
STORAGE & SAFETY OF MEDICAL
SPECIMENS
Storage:
Maintain correct temperatures:
Blood: 4°C or frozen
Urine: Refrigerated
Tissue: Formalin/frozen
Ensure clear labeling and tracking
Use biobanks for long-term research storage
Safety:
Wear PPE: gloves, masks, lab coats
Disinfect tools and surfaces after use
Follow WHO/CDC and local guidelines
FUNCTIONS AND IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL
SPECIMENS IN CLINICAL AND RESEARCH SETTINGS
Clinical Functions of Medical Specimens
Key Clinical Roles:
Diagnosis: Detect infections, cancer, and other diseases (blood, urine,
tissue).
Monitoring: Track chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease.
Personalized Medicine: Genetic testing tailors treatment to individuals.
Infection Detection: Identify pathogens & guide antibiotic use (e.g., sputum,
blood).
Preventive Care: Routine screenings for early disease detection.
RESEARCH & BROADER IMPACT OF
MEDICAL SPECIMENS
Research Uses:
Disease Understanding: Analyze causes and mechanisms.
Drug Development: Test safety & effectiveness of new therapies.
Biomarker Discovery: Identify markers for early detection and monitoring.
Epidemiology: Track disease trends and risk factors.
Gene Therapy: Develop treatments using genetic material.
Broader Impact:
Public Health: Support outbreak control and global health.
Safety Testing: Ensure safety of drugs and medical devices in trials.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS MUST BE TAKEN INTO
ACCOUNT IN THE COLLECTION AND USE OF MEDICAL
SPECIMENS
Ethical Principles in Specimen Collection & Use
1. Informed Consent
Must be voluntary, with clear info on risks & usage.
Patients can withdraw consent anytime without impact on care.
2. Privacy & Confidentiality
Personal health data must be protected and anonymized.
Secure handling and separation of identifiers from specimens.
3. Respect for Autonomy
Patients have full decision-making rights over specimen use.
Transparency ensures informed choices.
4. Research Ethics
Requires approval from Ethics Committees (IRBs).
Research must benefit public health, not profit motives.
RESPONSIBILITY, SENSITIVITY,
AND LONG-TERM USE
5. Minimizing Harm
Use safe, low-risk procedures; monitor for complications.
6. Transparency & Accountability
Maintain clear records and follow safe handling protocols.
7. Cultural Sensitivity
Respect beliefs and involve communities when needed.
8. Financial Transparency
Avoid exploitation; consider benefit-sharing in research.
9. Long-Term Use
Re-consent needed if usage changes; destroy unused specimens ethically.
CONCLUSION
Medical specimens are vital for disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and
medical research. They support personalized medicine, biomarker discovery, and
the development of new therapies.
Ethical practices—such as informed consent, privacy protection, cultural sensitivity,
and minimizing harm—are essential in specimen collection and use.
When handled responsibly and ethically, medical specimens greatly contribute to
improved patient care and advancements in public health and scientific research.
THANK YOU
