GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

1.  All specimen containers must be labeled with the patient's name, medical record number

     and patient number.  Specimens not properly labeled are not accepted by the laboratory.

2.  Labeling the specimen container is the responsibility of the person obtaining the specimen.

3.  Specimen(s) must be properly identified by checking the name and medical record number on

     the patient's wrist band against the name and medical record number on the label.

4.  All specimens sent to the blood bank must be labeled with the signature of the

     phlebotomist, date and time the specimen was drawn, as well as the patient's name, medical

     record number and patient number.  The signature of a second person witnessing the

     venipuncture and verifying the identification of the patient is also required.

5.  All outpatient and referral specimens must be accompanied by a fully completed

     laboratory requisition which has the requested tests clearly indicated and marked as to

     either stat or routine.

6.  The requisition must include the patient's name, birth date, sex, medical record number and

      patient number.

7.  The requisition must contain the source of the request, (i.e. floor, E.R., clinic, etc.) The name

     of the requesting physician, and date and time of sample collection. This is a mandatory

     accreditation requirement! Samples may be rejected if this information is not included.

8.   Many tests can be ordered via the inpatient order entry system.

9.   If you cannot locate specific test information, call the laboratory. You need to know the

      following:

            a.  The type of specimen needed (e.g. urine, blood, etc.)

            b.  The amount of specimen needed.

            c.  The kind of anticoagulant required (stopper color). All tubes containing

                  anticoagulant must be mixed with the anticoagulant as soon as the specimen is drawn.

                  to mix properly, the specimen should be immediately and gently inverted 5-10 times.

            d.  Whether the specimen should be fasting or non-fasting.

            e.  The stability of the specimen (should it be brought to the lab immediately or should it

                  be kept in ice or kept warm)?

            f.   Whether the specimen must be drawn at a particular time. (e.g. a.m., p.m., etc.).

           g.   Whether the patient is on medications that will interfere with the results

                  ( e.g. aspirin which interferes with coagulation studies).

           h.   Whether the patient is receiving an iv solution.  It is important to avoid aspirating the

                  iv solution along with the specimen.  If possible, perform the venipuncture in the

                  arm not receiving an iv or in a region far below the iv site.