Sample Labelling and Despatch

After collection of the sample(s):

1. Label sample
   All sample containers must be labelled with the following patient identifiers:
   - Patient’s name and NRIC number/Passport number
   Where applicable, the following details should also be included:
   – Time and date of collection
   – Source of sample
   – Test requested
2. Specimen containers should be labelled at the time of collection and not deferred until a later time.
3. Make sure the correct test request has been ordered in CPOE, or if Test Request Form is used, it has been completely and correctly filled.
4. Samples must be placed in ziplock plastic bags with a “Biohazard” label. (Forms if used, should never be placed within the sample bag to prevent spillage onto the form or stapled onto the bag below the bag seal line.)
5. Sample despatch
   
   Send sample with its accompanying request immediately for despatch to the laboratory or for collection by the Client Services transport. Specimens for Histopathology must not be sent to the laboratory by telelift. Please see Special Instructions on Sample Handling in the Histopathology Section for details. Emergency/Stat samples and samples for chromosome culture should be sent by hand, and not by telelift, immediately to the laboratory.
6. Samples obtained using needle aspiration should be transfered to a sterile container before sending to the laboratory. If there is little material in the syringe, the needle must be removed and the syringe capped, prior to transporting to the laboratory.
7. For glass blood culture bottles sent via the pneumatic tube system (PTS), the bottles need to be protected with a bottle holder and bubble-wrap.
   Click here for a copy of Step Guide on sending Glass Blood Culture bottles via Pneumatic Tube Transport System.
   

Sending Specimens for Microbiology Tests

Bacteria

Use eSwab for all Bacteriology investigations, MRSA PCR and CPE PCR tests. Do not use eSwabs for Mycobacteriology (TB, AFB), Virology and other Molecular Tests.

A. GRAM STAIN AND CULTURE
1. Send 1 eSwab with separate orders for Gram stain and aerobic culture:-	2. Anaerobic culture: Use eSwab (use a separate eSwab from aerobic culture).
B. MYCOBACTERIA (TB, AFB) SMEAR AND CULTURE
1. Send separate specimens (Sputum, Swab etc) and test requests if Mycobacteria (TB) and Bacteria are required.
2. Do not send laryngeal swab. Send Sputum instead.
C. NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE (G.C.)
1. Do not send swab. Obtain G.C. plate from Client Services (Tel: 6321 4950/4952/4904) and inoculate at bedside.
D. PICTORIAL GUIDE ON TRIPLE PACKAGING

VIROLOGY

VIRAL CULTURE/VIRAL ANTIGEN DETECTION
Do not use dry swab or eSwab.
(a) For Viral Culture:	(b) For Viral Antigen Detection:
(c) For Viral Culture & Viral Antigen Detection: