Speciman Collection and Transport
Complete specimen handling requirements are provided in the alphabetical test listing of the Online Test Catalog. Specimen type, minimum volume, storage temperature, and any special handling notes are included in this listing. The specimen volume requested assures the availability of sample to allow repeat testing if needed. Storage temperature is specified as room temperature (18° to 22°C), refrigerated (4° to 7°C), or frozen (-20°C or colder).
Acute and convalescent samples should be submitted with collection dates at least two weeks apart.
Serum, Plasma, or Blood Collection
Urine Collection
Fecal Specimen Collection
Specimen Collection for Respiratory Viruses
Quad Test and Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP)
Courier Service
Mailing Specimens
Unacceptable Specimens
Specimen Labeling & Request Forms
Cancellations
Test Additions
Test Reporting
Serum, Plasma, or Blood Collection Draw blood in the color-coded vacuum tube indicated in the specimen handling requirements of the alphabetical test listing. For serum or plasma, obtain approximately 2 1/2 times the requested volume. For serum, allow the blood to clot at least ten minutes and separate by centrifugation. For plasma, thoroughly mix the blood with the anticoagulant by gently inverting the tube five ten times and separate by centrifugation. Transfer the serum, plasma, or whole blood to a plastic transport tube provided by Warde Medical Laboratory.
Please Note: Lipemia, hemolysis and icteric samples may affect test results. Due to the concomitant effects, it may not be possible to predict whether this will increase or decrease results.
The following color-coded vacuum tubes are recommended unless otherwise indicated by the specimen handling requirements:
Green
Lavender
Light Blue
Red
Royal Blue #1
Royal Blue #2
Sodium heparin
Sodium or potassium EDTA
Sodium citrate
No preservative or anticoagulant (Use tubes containing inert gel and clot activator [Autosep/SSP] unless otherwise indicated)
Acid-washed containing sodium heparin
Acid-washed with no preservative
Because of the highly sensitive assay used to detect antibodies to HIV or HBsAg, any contamination of a sample can result in a false positive. Therefore, please send an unopened red top tube for analysis. Further, if a Western Blot confirmed positive result occurs, it is recommended to send a second sample to confirm the result before making a clinical decision.
Urine Collection Most urine chemistry tests require a 24 hour collection. Preservatives to be used during the collection period are indicated in the specimen handling requirements for each test. Refer to the Appendix for more complete information on urine preservatives. Please caution the patient that the preservative may be toxic and caustic, and not to spill or discard the preservative.
The patient should be instructed to discard the first morning urine at exactly 7:00 a.m., but collect in the container all subsequent urine passed in the 24 hour period, making certain that the patient voids at exactly 7:00 a.m. of the second day and that this urine is also included in the 24 hour collection. Mix well before removing the required aliquot from the 24 hour collection. Do not send the entire urine collection. Indicate the 24 hour volume on the test request form and on the urine aliquot submitted. Adjust the pH if indicated in the specimen handling requirements.
Courier Service Courier service is available for transporting specimens from many locations throughout the service area of Warde Medical Laboratory. This includes same day delivery in certain geographic areas or overnight delivery under controlled conditions. Special courier services can be established if appropriate arrangements are made. Please contact the Client Services Department to make any courier arrangements.
Mailing Specimens Warde Medical Laboratory can provide standard mailing containers to transport biologic specimens from locations that do not require courier service. For specimens that do not have specific temperature requirements, place the specimen and test requisition in the mailer provided. Please label Ambient Specimen - Do Not Refrigerate on the outside of the package.
Refrigerated specimens can be transported using coolant packages. Place the specimen, test requisition, and coolant pack in the mailer provided. Please label Refrigerated Specimen - Do Not Freeze on the outside of the package.
Frozen specimens must be transported in shipping containers packed with five pounds of dry ice. Use only plastic vials or containers for sample aliquots. The vial or container for each specimen shipped should not be more than three-fourths full. Samples that must remain frozen should not be shipped using standard coolants. Place the specimen and test requisition in a plastic bag before packing with dry ice. Please label Frozen Specimen on the outside of the package.
Unacceptable Specimens Warde Medical Laboratory maintains the highest standards of quality that assure confidence in patient results. If the integrity of the sample prevents us from maintaining quality standards, WML will be unable to complete the assay requested. If this should occur, a representative from the Client Services Department will notify a representative from your facility immediately to request a new sample.
Specimen Labeling & Request Forms Warde Medical Laboratory provides specimen labels and customized multi-part test requisitions for specimen processing convenience. The specimen labels are printed with unique accession numbers to affix to the specimen tube or container and the request form. Please include the patient's name on each specimen label. Extra labels are provided for ease of aliquoting specimens and record-keeping. The request form has space provided for a variety of patient demographic information. Billing information may be provided in the separate billing section on the form.
Cancellations A test may be cancelled without charge before the specimen has been assayed. Please notify the Client Services Department if a test request should need cancellation.
Test Additions Warde Medical Laboratory holds most samples for two weeks. Some specimens, such as positive drug screen samples, are held for longer periods of time. Test additions can be made if sufficient volume is available after the initial tests are completed and if sample integrity is acceptable. Please contact the Client Services Department if an additional test is requested.
Test Reporting The information system at Warde Medical Laboratory permits easy transmission of test reports directly to the client's facility. Report transmission times may be customized at the client's request. Reports may also be delivered with the courier for those clients who do not have direct reporting capabilities.