When collecting and transporting specimens, it is important to follow specific procedures that should be carefully outlined by the laboratory supervisor. Failing to do so could result in costly specimen contamination, spills, or other accidents that waste time and money, as well as increase the potential for inaccurate tests or experiment results. Here is a simple outline of the procedure for specimen collection and transport in a laboratory.

Seal the transport container and bag it

Before transporting a specimen, it is essential to first place it in a tightly sealed, leak-proof container. Doing so will prevent any exposure to foreign substances and will help avoid spillage. Once you have tightly sealed the sample within the container, check for any signs of external spillage on the container and place it in a sealable, leak-proof plastic bag. In some cases, you may need to double bag the specimen for safety.

Carefully label the specimen

After collecting the sample and placing it in a sealed, leak-proof container, it is important to label it properly. The specimen should be carefully labeled with as much detail as possible. Essential information that should be included on every sample prior to transport includes the date and time of the specimen collection, the initials of the collector, and the specimen type.

Deliver the specimen as soon as possible

Another important aspect of the proper procedure for specimen collection and transport is to minimize transport time as much as possible. Once the specimen is collected, it should be transported immediately.

Whether the specimen is transported at room temperature, refrigerated, or on ice will depend largely on the type of specimen. If the specimen cannot be immediately transported to its intended destination, you may need to refrigerate it for the duration of the delay.

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