Test Requisitions (Acceptance procedure)
All specimens, examined in this laboratory, must be submitted to Diagnostics360 by an authorised clinician using our specimen request form. Oral requests can be submitted by the clinician, though this must be followed by a written request within 48 hours of the initial request being received. All Sample forms are kept on file according to UK law and in compliance with GDPR regulations as they apply. Virtually all our tests can be completed via routine venipuncture. Collect the whole blood sample according to instructions for each individual test. Once this is completed, gently invert to mix thoroughly and then maintain the sample at room temperature unless otherwise noted in the specimen requirements. Never freeze or refrigerate whole blood. Please correctly label the specimen with the patient’s name, date and time drawn written on it. Use ball-point pen; DO NOT use a felt tip pen.
In the event of a sample being rejected. The Lab will notify you with the reasoning in order to allow the rectification of the error. To see common rejection reasons, please follow this link to the Summary reasons for rejection.
Summary of reasons for rejection
- If a blood sample is not correctly labelled, we will reject in the first instance. This is because, by law, proper labelling consisting of a patients last name, first name, Physician name, referring clinic and the date and time drawn are all required.
- A blood sample must be stored at the correct temperature for the test requested. Most tests that we run require Blood samples that are stored at room temperature. Should we receive a test that has been on ice, we may be unable to run the test and require a further sample.
- insufficient volume received.
- Leakage/ cross contamination in transit.
- Samples must be packaged in the correct containers. If they are not, we may not be able to run the sample.
Please keep in mind that this is a non-exhaustive list but to summarise: There are a few reasons why the Lab may not be able to perform a test on, and may, reject a sample. Common reasons to reject the sample are that it is of poor quality or low volume. In these, or other cases where the eligibility of the sample is voided, the Laboratory reserves the right to reject the samples and not carry out processing. The Lab will only reject samples as a last resort and will try to remedy the situation. Whilst rectifying this situation may affect the turnaround time, it avoids the need for further samples to be taken.
In order to ensure that the best turnaround times are possible, the samples should be correctly packed in the correct sample tubes and should be stored at the required guidance temperature for the requested test.