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Sample collection guide

The TDL  Sample Collection guide is a reference for clinicians and their patients who are collecting samples, or preparing to collect samples which require special instruction.

The collection of appropriate and optimum samples is the responsibility of the laboratory, even though the collection process is often carried out in the hospital, clinic or practice or patient’s home. Collection procedures involve consideration of various instructions, which include a range of information about the tests that are being requested. This covers sample type, timing for sample collection, patient preparation and expectation, clinical information, correct containers, labelling and sample handling. Patient samples collected by the patient themselves need to be supported by appropriate instruction for collection, sample collection kits, with user friendly safety and labelling details.

The guide provides Information sheets which can be copied and distributed to patients.

The Sample Collection Guide covers:

  • Appointments
  • Cervical Smear Test (For Clinicians)
  • Drugs of Abuse (Urine) Chain of Custody
  • Patient Preparation (Catecholamines)
  • Patient Preparation (Metanephrines)
  • Patient Preparation (Serotonin)
  • Patient Preparation (Urinary 5-HIAA)
  • Patient Preparation (Urinary Oxalate)
  • Patient Preparation (Urinary VMA)
  • Glucose Challenge Test (1 Hour)
  • Glucose Tolerance Test (2 Hours)
  • Helicobacter Pylori (Breath & Stool Test)
  • Lactose Tolerance Test
  • Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection (For Clinicians)
  • Semen Sample Collection
  • Sputum Sample Collection
  • Stool Sample Collection
  • Stool Sample Collection (Faecal Occult Blood)
  • Swab Sample Collection (Vaginal & GBS)
  • Swab Sample Collection (Male Urethral)
  • Synacthen Stimulation Test
  • Urine Sample Collection (Children)
  • Urine Sample Collection (Cytology)
  • Urine Sample Collection (First Catch Urine)
  • Urine Sample Collection (Female Mid-stream Urine)
  • Urine Sample Collection (Male Mid-stream Urine)
  • 24 Hour Urine Collection
  • 24 Hour Urine Collection (Creatinine Clearance)
  • 24 Hour Urine Collection (Prostaglandin)

Download the TDL Sample Collection Guide