Timed & Sequential Specimens

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Course Objectives
  1. Describe the core principles of PK/PD and the importance of precise timing in specimen collection
  2. Explain how sequential blood draws contribute to accurate drug safety and effectiveness data
  3. Apply best practices for timing, documentation, and workflow preparation during time-sensitive collections
  4. Recognize the clinical and research consequences of timing deviations in PK/PD studies and trials
Course Content
Course Creator: Kirsten Hermens, NCMA-P
Total CE Hours: 1 Credit Hour 
Pace Course #: 586-2423-25

Key Terms:
Pharmacokinetics (PK) 
Pharmacodynamics (PD) 
Cmax 
Tmax 
AUC (Area Under the Curve) 
Half-Life (t½) 
Baseline Specimen 
Sequential Sampling 
 
Outline: 
  • Introduction
    • Define timed and sequential specimens.
    •  Explain why timing and order matter (accuracy, drug levels, monitoring).
  •  Key Concepts
    • Difference between timed vs. sequential collections.
    •  Common tests that need timing (e.g., therapeutic drug monitoring, glucose tolerance, cortisol).
    •  Impact on pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics results.
  •  Workflow & Preparation
    • Verifying orders, timing, and patient instructions.
    •  Labeling and documenting exact times.
    •  Coordinating with nursing/other departments.
  •  Collection Steps 
    • Step‑by‑step for a one-time specimen.
    •  Step‑by‑step for sequential specimens (e.g., serial draws).
    •  Handling, storage, and transport (special collections if relevant). 
  • Common Errors & How to Avoid Them (3–5 min)
    • Early/late draws.
    •  Mislabeling or missing times.
    •  Wrong order or missed specimen.
  • Recap 3 key takeaways.
 
References: 
  1. Kinshella, A. L. (2025). The Foundations Of Modern Phlebotomy (1st edition). Intelvio, LLC.
  2. (n.d.). Nursing Pharmacology. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved December 7, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK595006/#
  3. (2024, August 13). Practical recommendations for population PK studies with sampling time errors. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved December 7, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3891525
  4.  (n.d.). Overview of Pharmacodynamics. Merck Manual. Retrieved December 7, 2025, from https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/clinical-pharmacology/pharmacodynamics/overview-of-pharmacodynamics?utm
  5.  (n.d.). Clinical Pharmacology. IU PHAR - Pharmacology Education Project. Retrieved December 7, 2025, from https://pharmacologyeducation.org/clinical-pharmacodynamics/
  6.  (n.d.). The Role of PK/PD Analysis in the Development and Evaluation of Antimicrobials. MDPI Journals. Retrieved December 8, 2025, from https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/13/6/833
  7.  (n.d.). Plasma Concentration-Time Curve. Science Direct. Retrieved December 8, 2025, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/plasma-concentration-time-curve
  8.  (2023, June 24). Volume of Distribution. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved December 8, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545280
  9.  (n.d.). Bioequivalence Studies: Designing an Effective Sampling Schedule. BioPharma. Retrieved December 8, 2025, from https://biopharmaservices.com/blog/bioequivalence-studies-designing-an-effective-sampling-schedule/?utm
  10.  (n.d.). Why PK Sampling Optimization Matters: Guide for Getting the Timing Right. Allucent. Retrieved December 9, 2025, from https://www.allucent.com/resources/blog/why-pk-sampling-optimization-matters?
  11.  (2023, July 30). Pharmacokinetics. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved December 9, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557744/?utm
  12.  (n.d.). Impact of Inaccurate Documentation of Sampling and Infusion Time in Model-Informed Precision Dosing. National Library Of Medicine. Retrieved December 9, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7063976/

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