Laboratory Medicine

Specimen Handling

Collection Instructions:
Ensure both sample and requisition are labelled properly Serum or plasma (with or without gel separator). Write your initials, date and time of collection on the collection label.

Laboratory Staff Instructions:
Separate samples from cells within 8 hours of collection.

Stability:
Stable at room temperature for 24 hours, refrigerated for 7 days, or frozen at -70°C for up to six months before testing. Thaw only once.

Transportation:
• Samples from St Mikes can just be sent down at room temperature. No ice needed.
• Referral sites should send to St Mikes frozen (preferred) or at 2-8°C if within 7 days.

Sample Rejection Criteria:
(i) Unlabeled or samples of non sufficient quantity.
(ii) Samples that have been thawed for more than 7 days.
(iii) Samples that are more than 7 days old before freezing.
(iv) Samples that have been refrozen.