Specimen Handling

The following information shall serve as a guide for collection and referral of patient specimens to ChildLab.  We ask our clients to adhere to these policies to ensure specimen integrity.

SPECIMEN PACKAGING

Any potentially infectious agents that are sent via any air carriers must be sent in approved DOT containers.  We will provide DOT/ICAO/IATA 650 shipping supplies and 602 dangerous goods supplies.   Please contact Client Services (614) 722-5477 or (800) 934-6575) for packaging information.

All blood and body fluid specimens are potentially infectious and must be handled accordingly.  All specimens must be placed in a leak-proof primary container with a secure closure.  The specimen label bearing the patient's, name, medical record number, date of birth date, time and initials of phlebotomist must be affixed to the specimen, not the primary bag.  Requisitions accompanying patient samples should not be placed in the primary bag. Before transport to the laboratory, the primary container must be placed into a sealable secondary container bearing a biohazard emblem.  Some tests may require temperature control during transport to ensure specimen integrity.  Refer to the General Test Listing for packaging requirements. F urther questions or transport supplies should be directed to (614) 722-5477 or (800) 934-6575. Specimens may be UNACCEPTABLE if:

        1. Specimens are improperly packaged (i.e. spills, leaks) 
        2. Specimens exceed temperature specifications for transportation

SAMPLE VALIDITY

Accuracy of sample results are dependent on patient identification, proper specimen collection, packaging and transportation.  These requirements are to ensure quality of testing that is a standard of patient care in our laboratory. Questions or concerns regarding specimen collection or handling should be directed to ChildLabat (614) 722-5477 or (800) 934-6575.  Technical training by the ChildLab staff may be arranged to assist clients experiencing difficulty with ChildLab protocol.  The ChildLab can schedule these requests. Any specimen submitted to the laboratory MAY BE UNACCEPTABLE for analysis if:

        1. Blood collected in wrong tube 
        2. Clotted EDTA, heparin, or sodium citrate specimens 
        3. Insufficient quantity of specimen 
        4. Unpreserved microbiology/virology specimens (if indicated) 
        5. Specimens collected outside of designated processing times 
            (refer to Tests Directory)
        6. Specimens arrive outside the given time period of stability 
        7. As indicated in the Test Directory