Heart of England Pathology Directorate

Pathology specimens should be sent via the post tube to the laboratory or delivered by hand and left at the reception desk.  Please do not, under any circumstances, leave specimens anywhere else in the Pathology buildings.

All samples sent to the laboratory should be packed so as to comply with the Carriage Dangerous Goods (Classification, Packaging and Labelling) Regulations 1996

General Guidance

• Use containers provided by Laboratory Medicine. These are designed to be robust and not leak in normal use.
• Ensure that the container is appropriate for the purpose, is closed and not contaminated on the outside.
• After labelling, the samples should be placed in individual plastic transport bags and sealed, not secured with clips or staples
• Please do not place the request form with the sample, instead separately in the side pocket.

Samples may be sent to the Laboratory in the following ways:

On site transport

• Specifically designed for purpose, specimen transport boxes are used to transport samples within the Trust, by an on site portering service to Laboratory Medicine reception
• If a spillage occurs and is not contained within the specimen transport carrier please ring the number provided on the side of the box and assistance will be provided.
• Do not leave a spill unattended

Off site arrangements

• There is a daily courier pick up system, provided by the Trust for General Practitioners.
• This service is subject to safety audit and inspection. Assistance for dealing with spillage can be obtained by phoning the numbers on the transport carriers
• There is a Hospital transport system linking the laboratory to other hospitals and clinics Trust wide.