Collection Guidelines

Specimen Collection Guidelines

Accurate test results are the result of the entire process of patient preparation, specimen collection, handling and transportation, as well as performance of test procedures and the interpretation and reporting of results. Specific specimen requirements for each determination, including sample size, are provided in the on-line Laboratory Test Table.

Quantity Requirement Guidelines

As a general rule the volume of blood drawn should be equal to 2.5 times the amount of serum or plasma required. For example, if 2 mL of serum is needed, it will require 2 X 2.5 or 5 mL of whole blood. It is desirable to provide a slight excess of blood rather than too little. For example, if 6 mL of blood is indicated, please fill a 7 mL tube in preference to a 5 mL. For pediatric patients, refer to the pediatric minimum volumes as indicated for the test.

Blood Conservation

If the amount of specimen to be collected is large or may pose a risk of blood loss to the patient, contact Client Services 503-413-1234 or Toll Free 1-877-270-5566 so that we may help reduce the amount to minimums needed for essential testing.

Clinician Information

• Adverse Transfusion Reactions
• Algorithm for Infectious Causes of Diarrhea
• BD Vacutainer Order of Draw
• Bone Marrow Collection Guidelines and Instructions
• Bristol Stool Chart
• Bronchial Aveolar Lavage Specimens
• Chemistry Testing Performed on Cerebral Spinal Fluid and Other Body Fluids
• Chlamydia and GC Collection Devices
• Collection-Transport Guide For Stool Orders
• Cytogenetics, Flow Cytometry and FISH Specimens 
• Cytogenetics Prenatal, Neonatal, Adolescent and Adult Genetic Referral Specimens
• Fetal Fibronectin Specimen Collection Instructions
• Hydroxocobalamin Interference with Common Lab Tests 
• Microbiology Collection Devices
• MRSA PCR Specimen Collection Guide
• Newborn Screening Specimen Handling and Collection Guidelines
• Pap Smear Specimen Collection using:
  • Fast Smear Technique 
  • Fast Smear Technique and Surgi-Path Pap Smear Organizer with Cytology Fixative Spray
  • SurePath Pap Test Method
  • ThinPrep Pap Test Method
• Potential Agents of Bioterrorism Specimen Collection
• Prenatal Screening:
  • Prenatal Screening Requisition
  • Contact Information
  • Data Entry Form For Sonographer's Nuchal Translucency (NT) Thickness and Crown-Rump Length (CRL)
  • First Trimester Screening Frequently Asked Questions
  • Importance of Patient Demographics to Assessing Risk
  • Understanding First Trimester Screening
• Quick Guide for Laboratory Specimen Collection
• RCH ED Quick Guide for Laboratory Specimen Collection
• Respiratory Virus Testing Options
• RPMI Transport Media
• Stool Specimen Collection Guidelines, 24 Hours
• Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) Guidelines for Pediatrics and Adults
• Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) Guidelines for Legacy Randall Children's Hospital
• Tissue Preservation Guide
• Transfusion Guidelines and Audit Criteria for:
  • Adults
  • Infants Less than Four Months of Age
  • Ped Patients Greater Than or Equal to Four Months of Age
• Viral and Pertussis Collection Instructions

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Patient Instruction Sheets

• Patient History For Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Testing
• Glucose Tolerance Patient Instructions During The Test
• Glucose Tolerance Patient Preparation Instructions
• Lactose Tolerance Patient Preparation Instructions
• Mid-Stream Urine Sample
• Pinworm Sample
• Post-Vasectomy Sample
• Semen Fertility Screen Sample
• Sputum Sample
• Stool Sample
• Timed Urine Sample, 24, 28, 72 Hours
• Understanding First Trimester Screening
• Urinary Stones Using LabCorp Calcucatch

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