Determine the Specimen Requirements
In the Test Catalog, use the page for each test to identify:
- Patient preparation instructions
- Collection instructions
- Specimen container type
- Specimen stability (temperature)
- Transport information for outpatient collection
Collect the Specimen
Most blood tests are performed on plasma, serum, or whole blood.
Follow the instructions in the test to collect the specimen, paying special attention to the container/tube, volume needed, and temperature requirements.
If Appropriate, Pour the Specimen into an Aliquot Tube
Check the specimen requirements in the Test Catalog to see if your specimen requires any of the following:
- Aliquotting: Many specimens require aliquotting in an appropriate container to maintain specimen integrity.
- Light protection: Some specimens require light protection to ensure specimen integrity.
Label the Specimen
Specimens must have two person-specific identifiers on the patient label.
The following are required on a label:
- Patient’s first and last name (legal name) REQUIRED
- Date of birth REQUIRED
- Collection Date and Time REQUIRED
→Label should also include specimen type and source, if needed.
→Do not place labels on the lid or bottom of the container or stick labels to each other.
→Do not cover up patient info or barcodes on the labels.
→Do not cover up “windows” on the tubes and leave the colored edge of vacutainers visible.
Mislabeled Specimens
Specimens are considered mislabeled when there is a mismatch between the person-specific identifiers on the specimen and the information accompanying the specimen.
In addition, if a handwritten name and a label are on the container, the information must match exactly. For example, “Rebecca” does not match “Becky.”
When insufficient or inconsistent identification is submitted, a new specimen may be required.
Package the Specimen in a Biohazard Bag
Place the tube or container in a Corewell Health Laboratory color-coded (temperature specific) bag.
- Ambient Bags (WHITE)
- These bags are for specimens that need to maintain room temperature.
- Refrigerated Bags (GREEN)
- These bags are for specimens that need to be kept refrigerated.
- Frozen Bags (Blue)
- These bags are for specimens that need to be kept frozen.
- Frozen specimens should not be left in the lockbox for afterhours pickup. These specimens may be better preserved in the freezer until the next day’s courier pickup.
- STAT Bags (RED)
- These bags are for specimens that need to be run immediately upon arrival in the laboratory.
- Use these bags when the patient’s condition requires immediate laboratory results.
- Priority Bags (PURPLE)
- These purple bags are for specimens that need to be handled and processed immediately upon receipt in laboratory, or the integrity of the specimen will be compromised.
- Use these bags when
- Specimens are sent to the lab unspun or unprocessed
- Specific test has time sensitive requirements
- Large Biohazard Bags (CLEAR)
- Use a large clear biohazard bag if the container is too large for a color-coded bag. Mark the bag temperature as frozen, refrigerated, or ambient.
If you are not using a Corewell Health bag:
- The bag must be leak-proof.
- There must be material between the tube or container and the bag that is able to absorb the entire contents of the bag.
To maintain optimal specimen integrity, Corewell Health Laboratories West requests that you load your lockbox properly for winter weather temperatures. Please follow the diagram on the right to prevent freezing of specimens.
