COLLECTION, STORAGE AND TRANSPORT
Collection, Storage and Transport of specimens are
critical variables that affect the accuracy and
usefulness of diagnostic test results. The
pre-analytical phase of specimen management is initiated
with the laboratory test request and includes
appropriate selection, collection, handling and
transport to laboratory of specimen for diagnostic
testing.
Careful selection and appropriate collection and handling of specimens provide test results that are meaningful to patient management. Criteria that profile specimen acceptability and rejection are available in the PHL Specimen Collection Manual under "Guidelines for Specimen Collection and Transport" by department or by specific type of test procedure requested. When appropriate, specific patient handling
requirements are provided to assist the provider with specimen collection. Specimens received by the laboratory that do not meet specified testing criteria, are excluded from testing.
Test requests, written or electronic, must be submitted to the laboratory at the time
specimen is received and must contain the minimal required information for the test to be performed. The test order must be appropriate to the type of
specimen collected. Missing, incorrect, or discrepant information on a test
request or specimen may result in an interruption or exclusion from the testing process.
Refer to specific testing requirements for
information on collection, handling and transport of specimens.
SPECIMEN TRANSPORT KITS & CONTAINERS PROVIDED BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORYSpecimen transport kits and containers listed below may be obtained by submitting a Container Request Form to the Support
Services Section. All kits include a test requisition form unless the submitter is electronically linked to the Laboratory. Refer to container Laboratory Supply Request form.
Containers/Support Services Section
Phone (562) 658-1446
FAX (562) 401-5985
Biohazard Safety Specimen Bag:
A leak-proof bag for packaging specimens for transport to the laboratory that has a double compartment, one with zip-lock for specimen and one for Test Request Form.
BACTERIOLOGY:
- AMES transport medium - CopanVenturi, transport swabs, for
Haemophilus ducreyi (Chancroid Culture)
- Bacterial CI Container: To transport cultures for identification of non acid-fast bacteria. Contact PHL Containers Section for approved mailers.
- Enteric Bacterial Culture: To submit stool specimens for the isolation of enteric pathogens. Contains a vial of Para PakŪ bacterial preservative.
- Enteric CI: To transport cultures for identification of enteric pathogens. Contact PHL Containers Section for approved mailers
- Pill Pocket Plate: Modified Thayer Martin media to be inoculated by submitter for the isolation of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Regan-Lowe Medium: Bordetella culture transport medium. Store at 2-6°C.
CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS AND NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE APTIMA COMBO 2 ASSAY
