Specimen Collection Best Practices
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1. perform venipuncture and obtain a minimum of 10cc per blood culture bottle to be filled Release tourniquet After obtaining the necessary blood volume remove needle from patient and activate safety device Apply pressure and cover venipuncture site with gauze and or adhesive dressing Remove needle from syringe be sure safety device is activated first and discard needle in appropriate sharps container Draft 12 22 05 Running title Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices Ruth Carrico 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 Remove alcohol swab from top of blood culture bottle then open blood transfer devices and place on top of each blood culture bottle Put hub of syringe into blood transfer device and activate the transfer device by pressing device firmly onto top of blood culture bottle Vacuum from the blood culture bottle will pull blood from the syringe into the culture bottle Allow at least 10 cc of blood to transfer from syringe into blood culture bottle Verify that the appropriate volume transfer has occurred by looking at the volume measurement indicators noted on the side of the culture bottle Remove syringe from transfer device and repeat the process Steps 25 27 for the second blood culture bottle When second bottle has received the appropriate amount of blood i e at least 10 cc for adult patients remove syringe and the transfer device from both blood culture bottles a2. a peripheral venipuncture those cultures can be obtained one right after the next unless otherwise ordered by the clinician If a peripheral blood culture is ordered to be obtained after removal of a CVAD blood for that culture should be obtained 30 60 minutes after removal of the CVAD Blood drawn via arterial lines is never an acceptable specimen for blood culture in the adult patient Blood drawn via an unbilical artery catheter UAC is acceptable practice in the neonate Peripherally drawn blood cultures represent the optimal specimen as those obtained via CVAD are more likely to be contaminated by organisms residing in the device itself or device components i e tubing end caps Blood specimen collection may be drawn from CVADs by Registered Nurses or physicians only It is not within the scope of LPN practice to aspirate any CVAD for blood specimens Appropriate safety devices and personal protective equipment must be used when obtaining any blood specimen Examples of such safety devices include safety needle butterfly blood transfer device and gloves Additional safety devices are selected and used based upon anticipated activities of the individual obtaining the specimen If the patient has a multi lumen device i e triple lumen central venous catheter it is not necessary to draw cultures from each of the lumens unless specified by the ordering clinician Draft 12 22 05 Running title Specimen Collection Guidelin
3. swab Leave alcohol swab on top of bottle to prevent inadvertent recontamination of the top Don exam gloves Discontinue administration of all infusates via the CVAD prior to obtaining blood samples If tubing disconnected put a new sterile end cap or connecting device on the end of the tubing Attach a blunt cannula to the syringe containing the preservative free normal saline Using an alcohol swab scrub the end cap of the lumen that will be used to obtain the blood specimen for approximately 10 seconds then insert blunt cannula into the end cap The distal lumen of the multi lumen CVAD is the lumen of choice Flush the lumen of the CVAD with at least 3 5 ml of the preservative free normal saline Discard that flush syringe in the sharps container Attach a blunt cannula to an appropriately sized syringe capable of withdrawing at least 10cc of blood for each adult culture bottle Disinfect the end cap with alcohol again using a vigorous scrubbing motion for approximately 10 seconds then insert that newly prepared syringe with blunt cannula into the disinfected end cap Save the blunt cannula cap so it can be used to recap the blunt cannula for removal from syringe as noted in step 16 Aspirate enough blood to allow 10 cc for each blood culture bottle adults After enough blood has been drawn remove syringe and replace blunt cannula cap so the cannula can be removed without contaminating the syringe tip and specimen Even
4. syringes Make sure to flush all visible blood from the end cap Re establish IV fluids in accordance with physician orders making sure to vigorously swab the end cap with an alcohol swab for approximately 10 seconds before connecting the fluids into the end cap Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene Prior to leaving the patient s bedside label bottles and ensure order contains information including time of draw and site of draw as well as other information outlined in hospital blood collection policy Document procedure on the patient s nursing flowsheet Draft 12 22 05 Running title Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices GENITAL SPECIMEN Female Ruth Carrico Genital tract specimen are submitted primarily for detection of sexually transmitted pathogens If infection is not caused by one of these pathogens anaerobic bacteria may be involved If anaerobic infection is suspected transport the specimen in an anaerobic collection system Male For urethral cultures collect specimen at least 2 hours after the patient has urinated Obtain specimen by inserting a thin urogenital swab 2 4 cm into the endourethra gently rotate it leave in place for 1 2 seconds then withdraw it COLLECTION CONSIDERATIONS FOR GENITAL CULTURES ORGANISM RECOMMENDED SPECIMEN TRANSPORT SYSTEM Neisseria gonorrhoeae Cervical urethral vaginal anal culture only Culturette Martin Lewis plate
5. 0 alcohol followed by povidone iodine or povidone iodine alone Remove iodine with alcohol after the procedure to prevent irritation Remove overlying debris Curette the base of the ulcer or nodule If exudate is present from ulcer or nodule collect it with a syringe or sterile swab Running title Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices Ruth Carrico COLLECTION CONSIDERATIONS FOR SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE AND SKIN SPECIMEN CULTURE COMMENTS Bacteria Syringe aspirates or biopsy specimen are preferable to swab specimen Uncommon in burn ulcer nodules or superficial skin infections useful in Anaerobes bites and trauma Fungi Useful in diagnosing dermatophytes yeast filamentous fungi and dimorphic fungi Mycobacteria Useful in diagnosing Mycobacterium marinum Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium chelonei Virus Useful in diagnosing HSV and Varicella zoster virus Draft 12 22 05 Running title URINE Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices Ruth Carrico A General Considerations 1 2 10 Never collect urine from a bedpan or urinal Thoroughly clean the urethral opening and vaginal vestibule in females prior to collection procedure to ensure the specimen obtained is not contaminated with colonizing microorganisms Plain soap rather than a disinfectant is recommended for cleaning the urethral area If disinfectants are introduced into the urine du
6. Running title Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices Ruth Carrico BASIC GUIDELINES FOR COLLECTION There are several guiding principles that should be considered and understood prior to obtaining collecting any specimen T 2 10 11 12 13 14 Collect the material from the site in which the etiologic agent will most likely be found Collect the specimen at the optimum time e g early morning sputum for acid fast bacillus AFB Obtain cultures prior to administration of antibiotics whenever possible Collect adequate volume of material Inadequate amounts of specimen may yield false negative results Collect specimen in a manner that minimizes or eliminates contamination from indigenous flora as possible to ensure that the sample will be representative of the infected site Use appropriate collection devices transport media and sterile leak proof containers Use sterile equipment and aseptic technique to collect specimen to prevent introduction of microorganisms during invasive procedures Clearly label the specimen including specific information regarding site of collection e g blood obtained via blue lumen of right subclavia central catheter and complete the ordering process Identify the specimen source and or specific site correctly so that proper processing methods and culture media will be selected by the laboratory personnel If the specimen is collected through intact skin cleanse
7. aboratory gonorrhoeae immediately Male ONLY 1mL Use suprapubic aspirate Use anaerobic transport Anaerobes system Do not use urine from a 24 hour specimen for culture First morning void is recommended Useful for adenovirus mumps and CMV detection Send on virus pe en ice and transport to the Microbiology Laboratory immediately 24 hour collection Used for detecting Shistosoma haematobium eggs Parasites Trichomonas vaginalis trophozoites in males and Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae WOUNDS ASPIRATES AND TISSUE SPECIMEN A Bite Wounds Aspirate pus from the wound or obtain it at the time of incision drainage or debridement of infected wound Do not culture fresh bite wounds as infectious agents will likely not be recovered B Bone 1 Obtain bone sample at surgery 2 Submit in sterile container without formalin Specimen may be kept moist by placing sterile gauze pads soaked with with sterile preservative free saline in the bottom of the specimen container C Deep Wounds or Abscesses 1 Disinfect the surface with 70 alcohol and a povidone iodine solution Remove iodine with alcohol after procedure to prevent irritation 2 Aspirate the deepest part of the lesion avoiding contamination by the wound surface If collection is done at surgery a portion of the abscess wall should also be sent for culture D Punch Biopsy 1 Disinfect the skin surface with 70 alcohol and then with a povidone i
8. conduit to a depth beyond the fascial level f Collect the urine drained into a sterile leakproof container 4 Straight catheter urine in out catheter urine specimen A specimen from this method is useful when a clean catch specimen cannot be obtained or when results from clean catch specimen are equivocal and a diagnosis is critical a Prior to catheterization if possible the patient should force fluids until the bladder is full Forcing fluids may reduce organism number b Clean the patient s urethral opening and in females the vaginal vestibule with soap and carefully rinse the area with water Draft 12 22 05 Running title Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices Ruth Carrico c Repeat the process using a skin disinfectant such as povidone iodine takinig care to hold the labia apart during the process d Using sterile technique pass a catheter into the bladder e Discard the initial 15 30 ml of urine then collect the sample from the mid or later flow of urine into a sterile leakproof container 5 Indwelling catheter urine a Clean the catheter collection port with a 70 alcohol wipe b Using sterile technique puncture the collection port using the type of safety device appropriate for that type of urinary drainage system Do not collect urine from the collection bag c Aspirate the urine and place in a sterile leakproof container 6 Suprapubic aspirate SPA of the urinary bladder A speci
9. culture M4 transport PCR send on ice and transport to the Microbiology Laboratory immediately Bacterial Prostatic fluid cervical vaginal Culturette or sterile container Trichomonas vaginalis Vaginal prostatic fluid Sterile container Culturette or sterile container Fungi Anal vaginal or cervical Epididymis aspirate amniotic Anaerobes fluid abscess fluid Anaerobic transport Herpes Simplex Virus HSV Genital or perianal lesion Viral or M4 transport Chlamydia trachomatis Urine male female Urethral male cervical vulva culture only Viral or M4 transport for culture M4 transport PCR send on ice and transport to the Microbiology Laboratory immediately Treponema pallidum Genital lesion Note secondary lesions of syphilis are most commonly found on mucous membranes and skin including palms of hands and soles of feet but any body organ may be involved Prepared slide in sterile container Ureoplasma urealyticum Urethral epididymis or prostatic fluid Contact Laboratory for transport medium Draft 12 22 05 Running title Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices Ruth Carrico SUBCUTANEOUS AND SKIN SPECIMEN A Burn Specimen 1 2 Disinfect the surface of the burn with 70 alcohol followed by povidone iodine or povidone iodine alone Allow the skin disinfectant to dry prior to collection of the
10. e on needle or butterfly and immediately dispose of collection materials in a sharps container Wipe residual chlorhexidine alcohol from skin with alcohol to prevent irritation of the skin Indicate site of draw date and time of draw and initials of person drawing blood If blood has been obtained through an indwelling intravascular device provide specific information including lumen and location of the device Transport blood cultures to the Laboratory IMMEDIATELY Do not refrigerate Delay in transport may compromise the specimen and recovery of organisms Draft 12 22 05 Running title Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices Ruth Carrico Sample Procedures for Collection of Blood Culture from an Adult Patient POLICY PROCEDURE Author INFECTION CONTROL Subject BLOOD CULTURE COLLECTION FROM AN ADULT PATIENT E i PURPOSE To provide guidelines for obtaining blood samples for culture in a manner that minimizes contamination and maximizes clinically relevant results POLICY STATEMENTS 1 10 Critical elements involved in obtaining blood cultures includes adequate skin disinfection adequate blood volume i e at least 10 cc per bottle for adults and hand hygiene practice performed by the collecting healthcare worker Blood cultures are to be drawn 30 60 minutes apart unless ordered otherwise by the clinician If one culture is to be obtained from a central vascular access device CVAD and another via
11. e type of line or port through which the blood was obtained Draft 12 22 05 Running title Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices Ruth Carrico Collection Technique Technique is important to prevent contamination of the blood resulting in inaccurate results The following represent basic tips to help ensure the highest quality results Perform hand hygiene explain the procedure to the patient prior to collection of all specimen and utilize all appropriate safety equipment Locate the venipuncture site prior to skin disinfection Disinfect the venipuncture site and the stoppers of the bottles prior to blood collection Use chlorhexidine alcohol combination e g ChloraPrep for skin disinfectantion for optimal results Disinfect the top of the blood culture bottle s with 70 isopropyl or ethyl alcohol Scrub the site using a chlorhexidine alcohol swab or wand Allow the disinfectant to dry DO NOT palpate the vein after disinfecting the skin prior to inserting the needle Draw blood using a sterile safety syringe and needle or safety butterfly designed to attach toa vacutainer holder and dispense the appropriate amount of blood into the bottles NOTE The blood culture bottles can be used with the vacutainer adapter but it may not deliver a controlled draw Care must be taken to dispense the appropriate amount of blood into the culture bottle After venipuncture and inoculation of bottles engage safety devic
12. es for Best Practices Ruth Carrico PROCEDURES Peripheral blood culture Adult 11 Gather supplies a Exam gloves b Blood culture bottles c Tourniquet d Chlorhexidine alcohol combination for skin preparation e Alcohol swabs for disinfecting top of blood culture bottle s f Syringes sized to allow 10 cc of blood per culture bottle to be filled g Safety needle h Blood transfer device one for each blood culture bottle to be filled i Adhesive bandage or gauze for venipuncture site dressing j Labels and transport bags for blood culture bottles 12 Verify clinician order 13 Perform hand hygiene 14 Verify patient s identity and explain procedure to patient 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Apply tourniquet and identify vein Release tourniquet if delay is expected prior to performing venipuncture and reapply immediately prior to venipuncture Remove hard plastic top from blood culture bottles and swab rubber top with alcohol swab Leave alcohol swab on top of bottle to prevent inadvertent recontamination of the top Disinfect skin at proposed venipuncture site using chlorhexidine alcohol combination Scrub anticipated area at the proposed venipuncture site using vigorous motion for approximately 30 seconds so area the disinfected area is at least 5 cm x 5cm Don gloves Do not touch prepared area of skin as this causes recontamination of the disinfected site Using syringe with safety needle
13. iding e Allow a few milliliters of urine to pass Do not collect this initial amount of urine and do not stop the flow of urine Running title Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices Ruth Carrico f Collect the midstream portion of urine in a sterile leakproof container 2 Clean catch urine male a The person obtaining the urine should wash hands with soap and water rinse and dry If the patient is collecting the specimen he should be given detailed instructions prior to specimen collection b Cleanse the penis retract the foreskin if not circumcised and wash with soapy water c Rinse the area well with water d Keeping the foreskin retracted to minimize contamination with skin flora allow a few milliliters of urine to pass Do not collect this initial amount of urine and do not stop the flow of urine e Collect the midstream portion of urine in a sterile container 3 Ileal conduit urine a Specimen obtained via this method are not recommended as results are difficult to interpret due to inherent contamination with fecal organisms b If this method is selected remove the external urinary appliance and discard urine within the appliance c Gently swab and clean the stomal opening with a 70 alcohol pad and then with a povidone iodine solution Remove excess iodine with 70 alcohol to avoid irritation d Using sterile technique insert a urinary catheter into the stoma e Catheterize the ileal
14. men collected in this manner is useful in determining urinary infection in adults in whom infection is Suspected and for whom results from routine procedures have been equivocal and diagnosis is critical a Before SPA if possible the patient should force fluids until the bladder is full Forcing fluids may reduce the organism number b The physician will make a small lance wound through the epidermis just above the symphysis pubis c Aspirate urine from the bladder by using a needle aspiration technique COLLECTION CONSIDERATIONS FOR URINE SPECIMEN CULTURE VOLUME mL COMMENTS Do not use urine from a 24 hour specimen for Bacteria 0 5 1 mL culture After proper cleansing of patient use first morning midstream void Do not use urine from a 24 hour specimen for Fungi gt 20 mL culture First morning void is recommended Do not use urine from a 24 hour specimen for Mycobacteria gt 20 mL culture Three consecutive first morning voids are recommended Chlamydia gt 20 mL Do not use urine from a 24 hour specimen for trachomatis culture First morning void is recommended Send Draft 12 22 05 Running title Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices Ruth Carrico on ice and transport to the Microbiology Laboratory immediately Do not use urine from a 24 hour specimen for culture First morning void is recommended Send Neisseria gt 20 mL on ice and transport to the Microbiology L
15. nd place them in the designated sharps container Check on patient s venipuncture site to ensure bleeding has stopped Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene Prior to leaving the patient s bedside label bottles and ensure the order contains information including time of draw and site of draw as well as other information outlined in hospital blood collection policy Send blood cultures to the lab in accordance with hospital procedure for transport Central line blood culture adult 1 2 3 Verify physician s order for blood specimen collection and assess appropriateness of using central venous access device CVAD for this purpose Gather supplies a Exam gloves b Blood culture bottles c Alcohol swabs to disinfect top of blood culture bottle s d Syringes sized to allow 10 cc of blood per culture bottle to be filled e Blunt cannula for each syringe syringes for blood draw syringe for priming new end cap and for each flush f Prefilled normal saline syringes preservative free g Sterile end cap h Blood transfer devices i Labels and transport bags for bottles Perform hand hygiene Draft 12 22 05 Running title Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices Ruth Carrico 4 5 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 Verify patient s identity and explain procedure to patient Remove hard plastic top from blood culture bottles and swab rubber top with alcohol
16. odine solution Remove iodine with alcohol to prevent irritation Draft 12 22 05 Running title Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices Ruth Carrico 2 Collect 3 4mm sample with a dermal punch 3 Submit for culture in a sterile container without formalin 4 Place specimen onto a sterile gauze pad moistened with preservative free saline in order to keep the specimen from drying E Soft Tissue Aspirate 1 Disinfect the skin surface with 70 alcohol and then with a povidone iodine solution Remove tincture of iodine with alcohol to prevent irritation 2 Aspirate the deepest portion of the lesion or sinus tract Be careful to avoid contamination by the wound surface COLLECTION CONSIDERATIONS FOR DEEP WOUND ASPIRATE AND TISSUE SPECIMEN CULTURE COMMENTS Banana Biopsy specimen or aspirates are better than swab specimen Useful in diagnosing actinomycosis place specimen in anaerobic Anaerobes transport system Useful in diagnosing Pseudoallescheria boydii Bipolaris spp Exophiala Fungi spp and Fusarium spp and other fungi Useful in diagnosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium kansasii Mycobacterium chelonae Mycobacterium Mycopaciena haemophilum and Mycobacterium marinum Draft 12 22 05
17. ring collection they may be inhibitory to the growth of the microorganisms Transport the specimen to the Laboratory within 90 minutes of collection If it cannot be transported within 90 minutes of collection the urine should be refrigerated Bacterial counts remain stable for at least 24 hours at 4 C Do not freeze Use sterile leakproof cups or tubes to transport urine Transport suprapubic bladder aspirate specimen for anaerobic culture in an anaerobic transport system Always transport urine for viral cultures on wet ice in a sterile leakproof container Any urine collection procedure involving catheterization must be done with scrupulous aseptic technique to avoid introducing microorganisms Send the first morning voided urine Three consecutive first morning specimen are recommended for mycobacterial culture Do not submit 24 hour urine collections for culture B Collection Techniques 1 Draft 12 22 05 Clean catch urine specimen female a The person obtaining the urine specimen should wash hands with soap and water rinse and dry If the patient is collecting the specimen she should be given detailed instructions prior to specimen collection b Cleanse the urethral opening and vaginal vestibule area with soapy water or clean gauze pads soaked with liquid soap c Rinse the area well with water or wet gauze wipes while holding labia apart to avoid recontamination d Continue to hold labia apart during vo
18. robic or two aerobic Endocarditis Acute Obtain three blood cultures from separate venipuncture sites over 1 2 hours prior to beginning therapy These cultures are often obtained 30 minutes apart in order to document persistent bacteremia Subacute obtain three blood cultures on day 1 15 minutes or more apart If cultures are negative after 24 hours obtain 3 more Pediatrics collect one low volume pediatric bottle for all submissions Volume of Blood The volume of blood is critical because the concentration of organisms in most cases of bacteremia is low especially if the patient is on antimicrobial therapy In infants and children the concentration of organisms during bacteremia is higher than in adults so less volume of blood is required Adults 10 ml of blood per culture bottle Children and infants 1 3 ml of blood per culture bottle The volume necessary is dependent upon the weight of the child infant so contact the microbiology department prior to obtaining the blood if assistance is needed in determining the correct amount of blood needed for that individual child infant NOTE In the event that 10 ml or less of blood is obtained from an adult put it all into one aerobic blood culture bottle Collection Blood can be collected by venipuncture of peripheral veins or arteries Collection from intravascular catheters is not recommended as they are intrinsically contaminated If a line must be used indicate th
19. specimen Remove the iodine with alcohol after the procedure to prevent additional irritation to the tissue Blood cultures should be used to monitor patient status concerning sepsis B Superficial Wound bacterial 1 2 Syringe aspiration is preferable to swab collection Disinfect the surface of the wound with 70 alcohol followed by povidone iodine or povidone iodine alone Allow the skin disinfectant to dry prior to collection the specimen Remove iodine with alcohol after procedure to prevent irritation Using a 3 5 ml syringe with a small gauge needle a physician will aspirate the deepest portion of the lesion If a vesicle is present collect both fluid and cells from the base of the lesion If the initial aspiration fails to obtain material inject sterile preservative free saline subcutaneously then repeat aspiration if necessary If no material is obtained rinse needle and syringe with broth by drawing the culture medium through the needle into the syringe C Superficial Lesions fungal 1 2 3 Clean the surface with sterile water Using a scalpel blade scrape the periphery of the lesion border Samples of scalp lesions should include hair that is selectively collected for examination If there is nail involvement obtain scrapings of debris or material beneath the nail plate Transport in a sterile container with a screw cap D Ulcers and nodules 1 Draft 12 22 05 Clean the area with 7
20. the skin first with 70 alcohol followed by an iodine solution e g povidone iodine or chlorxidine alcohol combination If iodine is used remove excess iodine after the specimen has been collected Provide clear instructions fto patients if they are collecting their own specime e g clean catch urine or stool in order to obtain the best quality specimen and allay their fears Deliver the specimen promptly to the laboratory Delay in transport may compromise the specimen As with all patient contact episodes consistent attention must be given to hand hygiene and use of appropriate personal protective equipment Use appropriate safety devices to minimize risk of accidental needlestick cut or puncture It is advisable to make sure the user is knowledgeable about how the safety device works prior to its use Draft 12 22 05 Running title Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices Ruth Carrico BLOOD CULTURE Ensuring that blood cultures are obtained in a manner that prevents contamination is a cornerstone of an infection prevention and control process In addition the increasing use of blood cultures obtained through vascular arterial devices necessitates meticulous technique and timely communication with the microbiology laboratory Timing and Number Acute Sepsis Collect two or three sets of cultures from separately prepared sites prior to starting antimicrobial therapy Each set consists of two bottles one aerobic and one anae
21. though the blunt cannula is not considered to be a sharp recap carefully Remove alcohol swab from top of blood culture bottle Open and place a sterile blood transfer device onto each blood culture bottle Put the hub of the syringe containing the blood into the blood transfer device and press down to active the device by piercing the top of the blood culture bottle Using the blood transfer device transfer blood into the first blood culture bottle s Check markings on the side of the bottle to ensure that at least 10 cc of blood has been used to inoculate the bottle Remove the syringe from the blood transfer device and insert it into the blood transfer device on the next blood culture bottle and repeat the activities noted in steps 17 18 Discard blood transfer devices syringes and blunt cannulas into appropriate sharps containers Draft 12 22 05 Running title Specimen Collection Guidelines for Best Practices Ruth Carrico 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Clamp the CVAD lumen in preparation for changing end cap Prime a new sterile end cap with preservative free saline taking care to maintain sterility Remove the existing end cap and place aside for discard into regular waste Maintaining sterility of the components connect the new primed sterile end cap onto catheter lumen and unclamp the lumen Flush catheter lumen with at least 10 cc of preservative free normal saline using the prefilled 10cc
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