The container is placed in an individual transparent plastic transport bag with Biohazard motif as soon as it has been labelled. The transport bag is sealed by means of the integral sealing strip. Request forms need to be placed in the side pouch of biohazard bags and not in with the sample. For large specimens e.g. 24 hour urine specimens the containers may be enclosed in individual plastic sacks. The request form is attached to the specimen in such a way that it is not contaminated by urine and both are placed in the plastic sack. Suitable sacks may be obtained from the laboratory front office. Multiple Specimens must be transported in the secure transport boxes provided. When transporting a small number of specimens (e.g. via taxi or district nurses etc.), we would advise that the specimens should be contained in a suitable, clean robust sealed container which is either single use or can be easily cleaned by the transporter who also ensures that it is secured satisfactorily during transit. One patient per bag. DO NOT put multiple samples and forms in one bag. COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT GP practices are now receiving fully compliant encrypted messaging. We are happy to discuss any issues about electronic results transfer. If you require any information please contact the Laboratory IT Manager or his deputy. The courier/transport system is continually being improved. If you experience problems or would like to discuss improvements our Clinical Service Lead would like to hear from you. URGENT SAMPLES FROM GP SURGERIES Identification of urgent samples in the transport boxes would help to identify these samples sooner. Please place these samples in a large envelope marked urgent then the laboratory can give these samples priority. DATA PROTECTION The laboratory abides with the policy for Data Protection of personal information. Every measure will be taken to ensure confidentiality. Should a breach occur, a full investigation will be carried out. The trust has a formal complaints procedure should a unsatisfactory conclusion is found. FACTORS AFFECTING THE VALIDITY OF RESULTS Insufficient sample volume Insufficient samples may have unsuitable ratio. Insufficient volume of specimen to carry out the test Inappropriate anticoagulant Using wrong type of specimen container Decanting blood from one container to another! in transporting specimen to laboratory Degeneration of specimens Small time window for some tests - Infertility needs to be analysed within 1 hour. Incorrect transportation of specimen Does it require insulating? Does it need transporting on ice? Timing of specimen
The container is placed in an individual transparent plastic transport bag with Biohazard motif as soon as it has been labelled. The transport bag is sealed by means of the integral sealing strip. Request forms need to be placed in the side pouch of biohazard bags and not in with the sample. For large specimens e.g. 24 hour urine specimens the containers may be enclosed in individual plastic sacks. The request form is attached to the specimen in such a way that it is not contaminated by urine and both are placed in the plastic sack. Suitable sacks may be obtained from the laboratory front office. Multiple Specimens must be transported in the secure transport boxes provided. When transporting a small number of specimens (e.g. via taxi or district nurses etc.), we would advise that the specimens should be contained in a suitable, clean robust sealed container which is either single use or can be easily cleaned by the transporter who also ensures that it is secured satisfactorily during transit. One patient per bag. DO NOT put multiple samples and forms in one bag. COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT GP practices are now receiving fully compliant encrypted messaging. We are happy to discuss any issues about electronic results transfer. If you require any information please contact the Laboratory IT Manager or his deputy. The courier/transport system is continually being improved. If you experience problems or would like to discuss improvements our Clinical Service Lead would like to hear from you. URGENT SAMPLES FROM GP SURGERIES Identification of urgent samples in the transport boxes would help to identify these samples sooner. Please place these samples in a large envelope marked urgent then the laboratory can give these samples priority. DATA PROTECTION The laboratory abides with the policy for Data Protection of personal information. Every measure will be taken to ensure confidentiality. Should a breach occur, a full investigation will be carried out. The trust has a formal complaints procedure should a unsatisfactory conclusion is found. FACTORS AFFECTING THE VALIDITY OF RESULTS Insufficient sample volume Insufficient samples may have unsuitable ratio. Insufficient volume of specimen to carry out the test Inappropriate anticoagulant Using wrong type of specimen container Decanting blood from one container to another! in transporting specimen to laboratory Degeneration of specimens Small time window for some tests - Infertility needs to be analysed within 1 hour. Incorrect transportation of specimen Does it require insulating? Does it need transporting on ice? Timing of specimen
The%20Pathology%20Guide%202015.docx