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| 1. |
Patient samples must be accompanied by proper
requisition form with Name, sex, age and forwarding institution
reference legibly written. Many times poor handwriting and illegible
writing causes errors and delays the test process. |
| 2. |
Ensure that samples are not spoilt before sending |
| 3. |
Ensure that samples are sent according to the
time cut off for various tests. Delay in sample receipt could
impact test outcomes and result in sample rejection. For specific
time cut off for various tests, look up Test
Menu (tabular view) |
| 4. |
All sample containers must be properly labelled
with the patient’s name and reference number. |
| 5. |
All sample containers must be tightly capped
to prevent leaks and spillage. |
| 6. |
Use appropriate tubes for different types of
tests. Use as many tubes as are required for various tests.
For example, when requesting for blood count and HbA1c on the
same patient, submit 2 tubes of 4ml EDTA samples and not one. |
| 7. |
Send enough quantity of the sample to do the
test properly. |
| 8. |
Do not store blood samples in freezer. |
| 9. |
Do not take samples for Ferritin tests in the
afternoon. |
| 10. |
Do not send over night samples for certain tests
like sugar, calcium, phosphate and electrolytes. |
| 11. |
Certain patient actions can influence lab results.
If these need to be highlighted, please mention them in your
requisition slip. |
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Vigorous exercise (raises ALT) |
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Meals (raises triglycerides) |
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Drugs (can interfere with many types of test depending
on the drug type and last dosage taken) |
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| 12. |
If there are delays in transporting the sample, then the specimens
must be refrigerated. Specimens intended for bio chemical analysis
should be kept at room temperature. Sputum samples should not
be refrigerated. |
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