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Transporting Specimens
SPECIMEN
STORAGE
Following collection specimens should be stored at 2-8°C until
submitted to the laboratory. Specimens should be submitted to the laboratory
as soon as possible following collection so as to minimise specimen deterioration
prior to testing.
HAEMATOLOGY/COAGULATION
Specimens deteriorate with storage and should be tested as soon as possible
after collection.
Blood
smears must be stored at room temperature.
BIOCHEMISTRY
Most enzymes, metabolites and electrolytes are stable for 24 hours at
2-8°C if separated from the red cells.
MICROBIOLOGY
Swabs
Specimens must be collected using a sterile swab, preferably with transport
medium enclosed in the plastic container.
Specimens
should be collected prior to antibiotic therapy.
Joint
Fluids/Other Fluids
Collect using aseptic technique. Submit in sterile container
Urine
Submit in sterile container
Blood
Culture
Blood Culture bottles required. Contact laboratory.
Tissue
Submit in sterile container
CSF
Submit in sterile plain tubes without delay
CYTOLOGY
Transfer material to glass slide and air dry
HISTOLOGY
Submit in 10% buffered neutral formalin.
SPECIMEN
TRANSPORT
Where possible specimens for an individual case should be submitted in
a biohazard bag that is unique for the specimens from the particular case.
GIPPSLAND
PATHOLOGY SERVICE COURIER
Daily or twice daily pick up as per courier timetable for selected Practices,
other Practices as advised.
For transport the bags should be placed in an Esky with an ice brick and
sealed.
OUTSIDE
COURIER NETWORK
Contact laboratory to obtain pre-paid consignment vouchers.
Wrap
the biohazard bags containing the specimens in bubble wrap to protect
against breakage and pack in either a strong cardboard box or Esky. The
container must be well sealed.
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