Sample Requirements
Please refer to User Handbooks on the services page or within the Document finder.
Completion of test requests
In hospital, tests are requested electronically: using Cerner or iCare. In primary care, T-Quest should be used for electronic requesting if available.
For all electronic request, to please ensure that:
- The barcode produced is aligned correctly so all information is visable
- A barcode is placed on the sample neatly, uncreased and vertical so that analysers can read them. See the Correct labelling poster for guidance and print in areas where this may be helpful.
Paper request forms may be used only when electronic requesting is unavailable as this causes large delays within the laboratory.
Sample identification
Three points of identification are required to enable the sample to be processed which can include the forename, surname, date of birth and identification number, however please be aware that many of our patients have similar names and if an identification number is not available please give a further identifier such as address. Due to the risks associated with inaccurate identification of a patient’s sample, laboratory staff are instructed not to take responsibility for processing samples that do not have this information and it is likely that the referrer will need to provide a further, appropriately labelled sample.
Required information
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|
Essential |
Desirable
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|
Sample |
Forename and Surname or unique identifier Date of Birth OCS (Request Barcode) for electronic requests Blood transfusion samples must be handwritten. Samples with printed labels will be rejected |
Date and Time of collection Sample type NHS or Hospital number |
|
Request form |
OCS (Request Barcode) for electronic requests NHS number Hospital number Forname and Surname or unique identifier Gender Patient’s location (Destination for report) The requesting doctor (Consultant or GP) Test required High risk specimens should be clearly identified with a risk of infection label Phlebotomist’s details |
Clinical information Patient’s address Requestors contact number
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Storage of samples
If samples cannot be transported to the laboratory immediately, they need to be stored appropriately to prevent the degradation of the sample which may affect the results.
Please visit the service handbooks or contact the relevant laboratory for advice on best storage.
Traceability
Remember to return all completed compatibility tags or emergency blood paperwork to the lab within 24 hours of transfusion - please don’t discard them!
This also applies to Covid-19 patients.
If you have any questions, please contact the team [pptx] 2MB