Final answer:
When collecting a bilirubin specimen from a newborn, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure accuracy and safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
When collecting a bilirubin specimen from a newborn, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure accuracy and safety. First, the nurse or healthcare professional should use a sterile technique when collecting the specimen to prevent contamination.
They can do this by using a sterile needle and syringe to collect a small amount of blood from the baby's heel or vein. The sample should then be stored in a specific type of container to preserve the integrity of the bilirubin. Finally, the sample should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible to prevent degradation of the bilirubin.