Specimen Processing Policy

In order to provide accurate, high quality test results, it is essential that the specimens being tested are appropriate for the test being performed. This includes complete and accurate identification of the specimen as well as a clear and complete test requisition.

The client will be contacted whenever the identity of the patient is in question or the test being requested is not clear. Every effort will be made to preserve the specimen while these issues are being clarified. In some cases, tests may be processed but results held pending resolution of these questions.

Three problems will result in immediate specimen rejections:

• specimen container and requisition have no name
• specimen container not labeled
• pap smear slides that are not labeled with the patient name

These problems may or may not require re-collection based on the office's
response:

• specimen name and requisition do not match
• test requested is not marked on the requisition or on the tube
• specimen provided does not match test requested