Laboratory Handling Center
Standardized guidance for specimen collection, identification, labeling, processing, storage, packaging, transport, rejection, and follow-up. Always follow the receiving laboratory’s current requirements for the specific test ordered.
Hard Stops
Before any specimen leaves the patient
These controls protect the patient, the employee, the clinic, and the integrity of the final laboratory result.
Use full name and date of birth and match the specimen to the active order.
Label immediately in the patient’s presence. Never set aside an unlabeled specimen.
Confirm specimen type, source, container, volume, timing, and destination.
Process, store, package, and transport exactly as required for the ordered test.
An unlabeled, mislabeled, or uncertain specimen is a patient-safety event. Stop, separate the specimen, notify the appropriate team, and follow the rejection, recollection, and incident-reporting process.
Procedure Library
Collection and handling workflows
Open a workflow to review preparation, steps, prohibited practices, required documentation, and escalation reminders.
Try specimen, blood, urine, swab, culture, packaging, storage, shipping, or rejection.
Connected Resources
Continue the laboratory workflow
Use the individual pages below for specialized testing, clinical notification, and safety response.