The Tale Of The Sample

I work in a family practice clinic, in medical records.  Way back when I was in high school, I thought I wanted to be a nurse.  I took a course called "Health Occupations" which would result in me being a certified nursing assistant at the end of the year, but after some on the job training, I learned it wasn't really my calling.  I did learn what was: records.

I love keeping records.  I love filing and organizing and maintaining.  And that is what I have done ever since, minus about 15 years for child raising.  

At my office, I am sometimes asked to run stat labs up the hill to our hospital.  I don't mind, and getting out in the fresh air is always a huge plus.  One cold winter's day, I was asked to run a sample to the hospital lab.  I said no problem, donned my heavy coat and gloves and took the red plastic bag in hand and briskly walked to the lab.

When I handed the sample over, the tech took the orders out to verify all the correct information was there and then she said, "It's really cold out, isn't it?"

I thought she was making weather chit-chat and replied, "Yes, freezing!"

She smiled and said, "Next time, I need you to keep this kind of sample warm.  Zip it up inside your coat.  These little guys are no good if they get too cold."

My smile froze.  What exactly was I carrying around without a care?  

I went back down to the office, found the nurse, and told her the sample might have gotten too cold to be viable. I'd carry over her labs anytime, but I would never, EVER, tuck a sample inside my coat, to keep sperm warm.  

I went to my desk of papers and folders and nothing that needed to be warmed by body heat and was never so happy to be back at my work!


This post inspired by prompt #5 at  Mama's Losin' It!