Specimen Collection & Handling Guidelines

Proper specimen collection, handling and processing are key to the pre-analytic phase of clinical laboratory testing. The vast majority of erroneous results are caused by errors made during sample collection and transport. For this reason, it is essential that correct procedures are followed for patient preparation, sample preparation, sample collection and transport.

For clarification on the correct methods of collecting all types of patient specimen, please see the details below which can also be found in our Services Guide.

General Specimen Preparation

For general sample preparation, please follow the instructions stated in the respective profiles and single tests listing in our Services Guide. Also refer to Table 1a and 1b as a reference to ensure proper use of collection containers. Please send your samples to the Lab soonest possible.

Patient Identification

Provide two identifiers for every patient for each sample tube. A minimum of the following are required: surname and given name, plus one of the following: date of birth, NRIC/Passport No., etc. The samples cannot be processed if these information are not present.

Sample Collection: Blood/Serum/Plasma

1. Ensure patient has correctly followed any preparations eg. fasting.
2. Patient should be resting and seated, ideally 5 – 10 mins before sample collection.
3. Tourniquet should be left tightened ideally below 30 seconds or not more than 1 min.
4. If more than one type of sample tube is to be used, collect them according to Table 1a
5. Tubes must be thoroughly mixed by GENTLY inverting (not shaking) the tubes.
6. If storage is required before sample collection, chill sample at the right temperature.
7. Keep LDH isoenzymes samples at room temperature. 

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