Samples

Sample Acceptance Criteria
All samples received in the laboratory must be appropriately labelled as stipulated in PAT/SOP/025 ‘Sample reception’. This procedure states that samples must be labelled with at least 3 essential criteria (full name [first name and surname], Date of Birth and Hospital/NHS Number) which must match the EPR or paper request form.

Sample Collection
Samples must be collected in accordance with PAT/SOP/043 ‘Sample collection & handling’ and labelled appropriately as detailed in ‘Sample acceptance’. For sample type and volume required for each test, see the below table.

Sample Handling
For internal requests, samples must arrive at the HUB or an ESL within 4 hours of collection for these to be processed to retain analyte stability. Some tests must arrive at the HUB or ESL within 1 hour of venepuncture, see below table for further details.

For external users, serum/plasma must be centrifuged within 4 hours of collection and stored at 2-8oC up to 7 days. Samples should be referred to the laboratory within 7 days of collection to ensure analyte stability. If samples are not referred within this time-period, then samples must be frozen at -20oC. Do not send un-spun whole blood for requests where serum is required.

Sample Transport
For external use, samples are transported in accordance with PAT/SOP/043 ‘Sample collection & Handling’ and p650 regulations. Samples must be packaged in UN3373 compliant containers. Samples can be sent via Royal Mail.

BCPS Immunology are also able to receive samples via the NPEX system, please contact us directly it you wish to register for the use of NPEX.