Purpose
This procedure provides client direction on how to label, track, package and transport specimens submitted to Dahl-Chase Diagnostic Services (DCDS). 

Principle
All specimens submitted to DCDS must be handled properly to ensure they arrive in a manner that does not jeopardize the specimen or put people who might transport the specimen at risk.

Procedure
Labeling:
All specimens must be labeled with the full name of the patient, a second patient identifier (i.e. DOB or MR#), and the source of the specimen. 

• Unlabeled or mislabeled retrievable specimens are rejected.  These include pap smear specimens, urines, and blood specimens.  A report will be issued indicating the testing was not performed due to inadequate specimen identification. 
• Unlabeled or mislabeled irretrievable specimens will be processed at the discretion of the pathologist and only with written verification from the submitting provider.
• Partially labeled or mislabeled specimens are dealt with on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the pathologist and may resolved by fax from the clinician.

Tracking:
All clients are responsible for keeping an internal record of all specimens submitted to DCDS.  This record is to be used for tracking.

• The client may keep a log and track results as they come back to their facility or they may choose to keep the client copy of the requisition as their record rather than a log.
• The client may send a copy of the log to Dahl-Chase so that we may ensure that we have received everything on the log at the point of receipt or they may track receipt as the results come back to their facility.

Packaging and Transport:

• All specimens must be in the appropriate container with the appropriate fixative or preservative for that specimen (see individual specimen requirements for each specimen in the Directory of Services).
• All specimens must be placed in a leak proof container and ensuring that the lid is tight and not cross-threaded.  All specimens must be labeled with 2 unique identifiers and the source of the specimen.
• All specimens must be placed in a plastic biohazard zip lock bag and the accompanying requisition and other paperwork must be placed in the outside pocket of the bag. 
• If a sharp such as a needle must be included with the specimen, as in the case of needle breast localization specimens, the container must be marked “Needle enclosed” and must be placed in a puncture proof container. 
• There should be no evidence of blood or fluid on the outside or inside of the bag prior to leaving the facility and, if there is, the specimens should be re-packaged prior to leaving the facility. 
• Any specimens too large to be placed in a container, such as a limb, must be wrapped and double-bagged with a biohazard bag and placed on ice or refrigerated prior to transport.