All specimens must be labelled according to the accompanying illustrations (Figure 1). The patient must be clearly identified on both the specimen and the test request form. Laboratory personnel is not allowed to make amendments on the specimen label or test order.
Figure 1. Correct specimen labelling
Barcode labels must be placed lengthways on the specimen tube, and not wrapped horizontally around the tube. The laboratory’s barcode scanner can read the labels only if they are placed lengthways. Refer to Figure 2 on how to label a tube correctly.
Figure 2. Correct way of labelling
Improper labelling are not accepted by the laboratory automation system, and manual intervention is required to reprint the labels, lengthening turn-around time of results and potentially leading to errors. Refer to Figure 3 for incorrect labelling.
Figure 3. Improper labelling
Specimens labelled with a patient’s initials rather than full name are not accepted unless both date of birth and NRIC or FIN are present.
Specimens that has been relabelled (with crossing out visible on the specimen tube) are not accepted.
For Anatomic Pathology specimens (Histopathology and Cytopathology specimens):
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Specimen source and type must be written clearly and completely if truncated on the printed label.
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Resection time and formalin fixation time must be provided for all specimens to enable calculation of cold ischaemic time.
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Refer to Instructions on Anatomic Pathology Specimen Collection.
In
Electronic Collection Module (ECM):
Scan the labels of the specimens collected and click “Collected and Submit” in ECM (Figure 4). Refer to the
ECM training guide on how to use the module. Anatomic Pathology test request do not flow to ECM.
Figure 4. ECM specimen collection screen.
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