Basingstoke and north hampshire hospital pathology user handbook

Labelling of specimens/sample

Specimens must be identifiable. Unlabelled samples will not be processed and it is the requesting clinician’s responsibility to ensure that samples are labelled correctly. The minimum information required on the specimen label is three unique identifiers (see exceptions):

• 
  Patient’s Full Name - Surname and forename (initials are not acceptable)
  
• 
  Date of birth
  
• 
  NHS number or, if not available, Hospital number
  

• 
  In the absence of the NHS Number or Hospital Number the first line of address may be substituted. Post code only is not acceptable
  

In addition Date, and time if appropriate, of collection

ICE ordercomms labels MUST NOT BE USED on Transfusion samples

Addressograph labels MUST NOT BE USED on Transfusion samples

The container should be sealed in the bag attached to the combined pathology request card. Specimens should be transported to the laboratory as rapidly as possible after collection to ensure that no significant deterioration occurs before processing.
EXCEPTIONS

Microbiology requires a minimum of two points of ID for non ICE requests on samples rather than three. ICE requests should have minimum of three points of ID as above.

A&E shall use a unique patient number for patients who are brought in unconscious or unable to be identified. They must also state sex and approximate age.

Sexual Health shall use the unique patient number and date of birth due to patient confidentiality.

The Bone Bank shall use the Bone bank number and date of birth due to patient confidentiality.