Specimen Labeling and Transport

Specimen Transport Guidelines

Specimen Labeling Guidelines                            

WakeMed Laboratories requires that specimens be labeled with the following patient and collection information.  Specimens received at the WakeMed processing center without the required information may result in testing delay.

Clinical Specimens
• Print last name, first name and middle initial of patient
• Date of birth of the patient
• Date, time and initial of person collecting the specimen

Histology Specimens
• Print last name, first name and middle initial of patient
• Date of birth of the patient.
• The specimen identity clearly labeled on each container

GYN Cytology Specimen Labeling
• Use ThinPrep Cytology specimen container
• Print last name, first name and middle initial of patient
• Label should include specimen identity on each container

Non-Gyn Specimens
• Print last name, first name and middle initial of patient
• Date of birth of the patient.
• The specimen identity clearly labeled on each container

Specimen Transport Guidelines

• All Specimens MUST be placed in a biohazard specimen bag for transport.
• The specimen should be placed in the back press-seal section of the bag and sealed for transport.
• The paper requisition should be placed in the front pocket of the bag.
• Please do not place the paper requisition in the same compartment as the specimen.