Patient Preparation

It is the responsibility of the health professional taking the specimen to ensure that they:

• Provide appropriate privacy during reception and sampling of the patient;
• Determine the identity of the patient from whom the primary specimen is collected;
• Verify that the patient meets pre-examination requirements, including fasting status, medication status, specimen collection at predetermined time or time intervals;
• Follow any instructions or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) provided for collection of specimens including correct use of containers and fixatives;
• Ensure correct transport conditions and delivery of specimens to Specimen Reception in the appropriate Department;
• Follow instructions for completion of request forms and labelling of specimens to ensure an unequivocal link with the patients from whom they are collected;
• Provide patient and family information, where relevant;
• Record their identity and the collection date/ time, when needed;
• Ensure proper storage conditions for specimens before they are delivered to the laboratory;
• Dispose of materials used in the collection in accordance with Trust Policy