Laboratory Department Customer Handbook

1. Introduction to the Customer Handbook (Specimen Collection Guide)

• The Customer Handbook (Specimen Collection Guide) provides an overview of the activities and services offered by the Laboratory Department. The handbook also provides quick guidelines for all users of laboratory services and healthcare professionals.
• The Customer Handbook (Specimen Collection Guide) is a controlled document within the Laboratory Department’s quality management system.
• All services provided by the Laboratory Department are continuously reviewed through quality control and annual periodic internal assessments.

2. Specimen Collection Procedures

2.1. Principles of Specimen Collection

• Correctly identify the patient before collecting the specimen.
• Prepare the patient appropriately according to the test requirements.
• Identify the correct test, specimen container, and required specimen volume.
• Store and transport specimens properly and within the specified time frame.
• Follow biosafety principles during specimen collection:
  • Specimen collection staff must wear a laboratory coat, cap, face mask, and gloves when in contact with patients.
  • Prepare all necessary equipment and consumable supplies at the specimen collection desk and in the specimen collection area according to the specified list.
  • Wash hands before specimen collection and after completing the work shift.
  • Dispose of waste according to regulations.

2.2. Specimen Acceptance and Rejection Criteria

Factors affecting laboratory test results

The Laboratory Department only accepts specimens that meet the following criteria:

• The laboratory test request form contains complete information.
• The specimen is contained in an appropriate tube according to the test requirements.
• The specimen quality is acceptable: sufficient volume (±10%), no hemolysis, no clotting, etc.
• The time from specimen collection to delivery to the Laboratory Department meets the requirements specified in the “Test List” section of the Specimen Collection Handbook.

If a specimen is rejected because it does not meet the above criteria, the Laboratory Department is responsible for immediately notifying the specimen-sending unit and requesting recollection, while recording the reason in the specimen rejection section.

For critically ill patients when recollection is not possible, if the physician requests the test, the Laboratory Department will perform the test and record the note “Testing performed upon request” in the Laboratory Results Management System.

Detailed handbook: Link