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
Some Urine tests require an additive.
Follow the instructions in the test to collect the specimen, paying special attention to the container/tube, volume needed, and temperature requirements.
Secure the container lid, ensuring the specimen is not leaky.
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.