SPECIMEN COLLECTION / TRANSPORTATION

Specimen Preparation
There are multiple factors associated with the handling and processing of laboratory specimens that can introduce test result inaccuracy both before the specimen has been obtained and after it has been collected. These pre-analytical factors can produce post-analytical changes that result in erroneous laboratory test results.

Examples include:
• Failure to draw a patient at correct time (fasting, post prandial, post or pre medication)
• Failure to centrifuge specimens in a timely manner
• Hemolysis secondary to venipuncture technique or specimen mishandling
• Analyte concentration changes due to evaporation
• Incorrect storage temperature
• Using Vacutainer tube with inappropriate additive Recognition and control of these pre-analytical variables should reduce error and contribute to the medical usefulness of patient test results.

Specimen Labeling
Label the specimen(s) appropriately with the following information:
• Patients name
• Date(s) of collection
• Time of collection
• Collectors initials

Specimen Packaging
Ascendant Medical Laboratory requires that all shipments containing clinical specimens be marked with a biohazard label. For your convenience, bags for shipments sent to the laboratory are provided.

Ambient Temperature (Room Temperature)
Our standard specimen bags are designed to transport serum and urine specimens that do not require special temperatures or handling.

If you have any concerns about the impact of extreme weather conditions on routine or refrigerated specimens, please call client services at 865.273.1114.

Exposure to Light
It is important to avoid exposing blood specimens for photosensitive analytes to artificial or sunlight for any length of time. Examples: Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and porphyrins. These specimens must be protected with an aluminum wrap or equivalent.

Refrigerated Specimens
Place specimen in the refrigerator for storage before pick up by the courier. When packing for transport, place specimen tube or urine tube into zip-lock portion of bag with the request being put into the outer pouch in transport bag.

Frozen Specimens
• Label each tube with the patient’s name, date, and type of specimen (urine, EDTA plasma, serum, etc). Freeze until courier pick up.
• Phone Client Services for special transport arrangements of all critical specimens.

Specimen Transport
Biohazard zip-lock bags are available and must be used for the transport of all Ascendant Laboratory specimens. An appropriate test requisitions(s) or computer packing list must accompany labeled specimens and should be placed in the sleeve located on the front side of the transport bag.

Each bag should include the following:
• One patient ONLY per bag
• Requisition legibly filled out with all patient demographics, billing information, ICD-9 codes and test information (Or computer generated Packing list).
• Labeled Specimens