To ensure quality and accuracy in our testing, all specimens submitted to the North Oaks Department of Laboratories for processing MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED in the presence of the patient with a minimum of TWO PATIENT IDENTIFIERS. However, when more than two patient identifiers are submitted, the level of patient safety is improved. All collection information should also be provided to ensure specimen integrity.
First and last name
North Oaks medical record number (if available)
Social security number
Date of birth
In addition, specimen label must contain the following:
Time of collection
Date of collection
Collector’s initials
Facility name (if possible)
Source, if other than blood
Laterality, if applicable
All specimens must be labeled INDIVIDUALLY. Any improperly labeled specimen(s) will not be tested. The rejected specimen(s) will need to be recollected and resubmitted for testing.
Note: Specimens collected for cultures also must be labeled with the source and laterality of the specimen (i.e., left arm, right leg). Please identify urine specimens as either Clean Catch (CCMS) or Catheterization (CATH).