Specimen Collection
Proper specimen collection and handling are vital for assuring
accurate results. Improper technique in obtaining and preserving
specimens may yield false or invalid values. PathLabs will reject
specimens received for testing if the integrity of the specimen is
compromised. Specific specimen requirements are provided in the
following sections of this site and include: specimen type, minimum
volume, storage temperature, and routine or special preparation
instructions. Note: All specimens must be transported in a sealed
Zip-Lock© style biohazard bag. For test results to truly reflect
the patient's condition, the specified requirements must be
followed closely. If you need further clarification for any
procedure, please call our Client Service Department.
Specimen Collection procedures
For your convenience you will find instructions for patients, in
Adobe PDF format, on specimen collection for a number of
tests on the Publications page.
Unacceptable Specimens
Pathology Laboratories strives to meet the highest possible
standards of quality to assure confidence in all test results
reported. If the integrity of a specimen is compromised, our Client
Service Department will request a new sample to assure results are
of clinical value.
Test Requisitions
Test Requisitions are supplied by Pathology Laboratories to
referring clients. A separate completed Test Requisition must
accompany each patient's specimen(s). On each Requisition, please
legibly provide all of the following information:
- Date and Time of Collection
- Patient's First and Last Names
- Patient Social Security Number
- Patient Sex
- Patient Date of Birth
- Patient Address
- Patient Phone Number
- Test(s) Requested
- ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code For Each Test
- Medicare, Medicaid, other Insurance Information
- Physician Name (if not pre-printed)
- Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage - Must be explained
to and signed by Medicare patients when their physician orders
routine screening tests, tests ordered at an unusual frequency,
certain tests ordered without a specific diagnosis or non-covered
tests.
Frequently ordered procedures may be preprinted by PathLabs on
requisitions to meet your specific clinical needs. Please contact
our Client Service Department for further information. Blank space
is also provided on the Test Requisition for other tests. Special
instructions should also be noted on the Requisition.
Test Additions
If you would like to add tests to a specimen that is in the
laboratory, please contact our Client Service Department. A
representative will verify that the specimen is available and
adequate for testing. You will then be instructed to fax a new
order to our Client Service Department for the tests you are
adding. Written verification for add-on test requests is required
by our accrediting agency, the College of American Pathologists.
When testing is completed, we will call and/or fax results if
requested.
Test Cancellations
Pathology Laboratories will honor test cancellation requests
submitted prior to test completion. If the cancellation request is
received after the specimen has been analyzed, the request cannot
be honored and the usual test charge will be assessed.
Reference Ranges
Due to continuing changes in test methodologies and expanding
knowledge in clinical interpretation, reference ranges are subject
to change at any time. Each laboratory report, however,
incorporates current reference ranges or an interpretation of
results for each test.
Repeat Determinations
Any test value that, in the physician's opinion, does not
correlate with the clinical situation will be repeated at no
charge. When requesting a repeat determination, please explain the
situation on the request form accompanying the new specimen, or
call our Client Service Department if you wish the repeat
determination to be performed on the original specimen.