A culture and sensitivity test is sent to which of the following divisions of a clinical laboratory?

Choice A Reason:
Patient's insurance information is not typically included in the follow-up documentation of a stat result. Insurance information is relevant for billing purposes and does not pertain to the immediate clinical care or the communication of test results.

Choice B Reason:
The room number of the patient might be included in the internal documentation for logistical purposes but is not the primary piece of information required following a verbal report of a stat result. The focus should be on the communication details rather than the location.

Choice C Reason:
The name of the provider contacted is essential information in the follow-up documentation after a verbal report. This ensures that there is a record of who received the information, which is crucial for accountability and continuity of care.

Choice D Reason:
The provider's phone number is not necessary in the follow-up documentation if the name of the provider is already included. The phone number would have been used to make the initial contact, and the key information is the confirmation that the provider was reached and informed of the stat result.

Choice A Reason:
Body temperature does not significantly affect serum cortisol levels and is not a factor that needs to be considered when planning to collect a cortisol specimen. Cortisol levels are regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and not by body temperature.

Choice B Reason:
Time of day is a critical factor to consider when collecting a specimen for serum cortisol level measurement. Cortisol levels follow a diurnal pattern, peaking in the early morning hours and declining throughout the day, with the lowest levels typically occurring around midnight¹². This variation is known as the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and is important for accurately interpreting the results of the test.

Choice C Reason:
Alcohol consumption can affect cortisol levels; however, it is not typically a factor that a phlebotomist needs to consider immediately before specimen collection unless the patient is under the influence at the time of the test. Chronic alcohol use can lead to alterations in cortisol levels, but this is more of a consideration for the healthcare provider interpreting the results rather than the phlebotomist collecting the specimen.

Choice D Reason:
Prandial status, or the fed or fasting state of the patient, can influence cortisol levels, but it is not as significant a factor as the time of day. Cortisol levels can be slightly higher after eating, but this effect is generally considered minimal. The primary concern for prandial status would be if the cortisol test is being conducted alongside other tests that require fasting.