COLLECTION, HANDLING AND LABELING OF SPECIMEN PROTOCOL

Specimens, if not handled safely, can pose a risk of infection to all people involved, including
healthcare workers, patients, transport personnel and laboratory workers. Accurate analysis is
crucial in determining the correct diagnosis, or detecting an infectious agent, so that appropriate
and timely treatment can be given. To support this, factors such as the correct collection method,
storage conditions, transportation times, supporting information and patient details should be
observed. All specimens should be considered a potential infection risk and handled following
universal precautions thus all samples should be treated as infectious.

In cases where it is known that a specimen contains a highly infectious agent, staff has a
responsibility to bring this to the attention to laboratory staff without breaking confidentiality.

All transport personnel must be trained in the proper safety and packaging procedures for
specimens transported. They must be knowledgeable of the regulations for the transport of
biohazardous specimens. All specimens must be handled in a manner in which the safety of the
handler and the environment are protected while preserving the integrity of the specimens.

Collection of specimens
• Always follow standard precautions when handling specimens

• Write details on the container immediately after taking the specimen, then place into the test
tube rack and place into the transport specimen container/ bag with the request form attached.

• Whenever possible, take the specimen prior to commencing antibiotics.

• Where appropriate collect the specimen using sterile equipment and place in sterile containers.
Ensure the outside of the container is free from contamination with body fluids.

• When taking swabs from a dry area i.e. nasal screening, the tip should be moistened in sterile
normal saline.

• Do not over fill containers.

• Ensure the lid is immediately secured to prevent spillage in transport.

Labeling of Specimen and Requisition Form

Specimens must be labeled correctly to prevent misdiagnosis and wastage. All specimens and
requisition forms must be clearly labeled with the correct patient details as outlined in the
Sample Collection Manual.

 Refer to Sample Collection Manual page 6 and 7 of 67

Revision #: 5.0
Revised Date: 11/03/2018 WHL-LAB. SAM Page 1 of 1
 ESTABLISHED LABORATORY DEPARTMENT TURNAROUND TIME FOR
TEST RESULTS

TEST RQUESTED TURNAROUND TIME

STAT 45mins – 1 hour

ROUTINE Haematology 30mins to 1 hour

Urology 30 mins to 1 hour

Serology 1 ½ hours

Chemistry 2 hours

Endocrinology 3 hours

Microbiology 2 to 5 working days

 Refer to Sample Collection Manual; page 14 of 67

Revision #: 5.0
Revised Date: 11/03/2018 WHL-LAB. SAM Page 1 of 1