From collection to transport, Spectrum Health Laboratories must have quality specimens to produce accurate results you can trust. A quality specimen is one that has been collected and transported, keeping specimen integrity and patient identification intact. It is important to remind patients to carefully follow all collection and transportation instructions to ensure the sample usable and not tainted.
Please help remind patients:
♦ Submit all specimens as soon as collection is completed. Many tests are time sensitive.
♦ After collection, make sure lid is secured and fastened evenly, as leaky specimens will be rejected.
♦ Keep the container upright at all times.
♦ If a second container is needed, the patient should obtain a second container from the laboratory or draw site. Do not use home containers (i.e. butter container) or bags, as these may contaminate the specimen.
♦ Specimen is labeled clearly with
◊ Patient’s full legal name
◊ Date of birth
◊ Date and time of collection
Warning: Some kits contain preservatives. Please let patients know to not drink, ingest or inhale fumes. If disposal is needed please contact the laboratory. In case of skin or eye contact, irritation, or swallowing call poison control as soon as possible: 800.222.1222.
For more information, please review “Laboratory Specimen Home Collection Document” or the Lab Catalog for more information.