It is essential all users of Pathology services read and understand the Sample Transport Procedures for the Community. For all users of BRILS please note that timely transport of samples to the laboratory is important in ensuring sample integrity and subsequent patient results.
All specimens must be transported to the laboratory on the day they are taken. Any delays in specimen transportation, for example, delays due to adverse weather conditions, may affect the integrity of the sample which can lead to unreliable test results.
Pathology specimens are potentially infectious and hazardous. Care must be taken to minimise the risks to staff when transporting specimens in the Air Tube chute system or in metal transport boxes. The collection and transportation of samples are also critical factors affecting the quality of results. It is essential, therefore, that users of the service adhere to the procedures in Sample transport policy for wards and clinical areas.
These specimens are transported by road using hospital transport vans or via a taxi. Therefore Sample Transport Procedures for the Community must be used to ensure compliance with the Carriage of Dangerous Goods act.
If the patient has a blood borne virus or CJD, please attach a danger of infection label to the sample bottles and request a card.
Danger of infection samples from wards and other areas within the Trust should NOT be transported via the Air Tube chute system.
Samples from community premises (GPs) and other sources outside of the Trust do not need to be transported separately.
