GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR COLLECTION AND TRANSPORT OF CLINICAL SAMPLES

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR COLLECTION AND TRANSPORT OF CLINICAL SAMPLES

• Apply strict aseptic techniques throughout the procedure.
• Wash hands before and after the collection.
• Collect the specimen at the appropriate phase of disease.
• Collect or place the specimen aseptically in a sterile or appropriate container.
• Ensure that the outside of the specimen container is clean and uncontaminated.
• Close the container tightly so that its contents do not leak during transportation.
• Label and date the container appropriately and complete the requisition form.
• Arrange for immediate transportation of the specimen to the laboratory.
• The clinical specimen should be collected before the administration of antimicrobial agents.
• The specimen should be prevented from contamination with externally present organisms or normal flora of the body.

CRITERIA FOR REJECTION OF CLINICAL SAMPLES

• Missing or inadequate identification.
• Insufficient quantity.
• Specimen collected in an inappropriate container.
• Contamination suspected.
• Inappropriate transport or storage.
• Unknown time delay.
• Haemolysed blood sample.