Specimen Handling_TB 03-01_V1.0.doc
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.PURPOSE......
2.SCOPE......
3.RESPONSIBILITIES......
4.CROSS-REFERENCES......
5.PROCEDURES......
5.1. Material and reagents required
5.2. Specimen Receipt
5.3. Sample Rejection Criteria
6.REFERENCES......
7.CHANGE HISTORY......
1.PURPOSE
This operating procedure describes the receipt and accessioning of samples in ______TB Laboratory. This will help maintain patient confidentiality, prevent sample mix up, ensure sample integrity, and overall quality handling of specimens. It is imperative that this SOP is followed appropriately by all personnel. This procedure is the first step in preparing patient specimens for processing, storage, and testing.
2.SCOPE
This SOP applies to all procedures involving specimens carried out in the ______TB Laboratory.
3.RESPONSIBILITIES
All staff members working in the ______TB Laboratory are responsible for the implementation of this operating procedure, including use of safety equipment and reagents as well as implementation of methods described herein.All users of this procedure who do not understand it or are unable to carry it out as described are responsible for seeking advice from their supervisor.
4.CROSS-REFERENCES
See: / Document Matrix_TB 01-01_V1.0.docLocation:
Refer to SOPs listed under 07-01 (General Procedures).
5.PROCEDURES
5.1. Material and reagents required
- Pens; blue or black and red
- Fine tip Markers
- Gloves
- Laboratory Coat
- Sample racks
5.2. Specimen Receipt
Biological specimens such as sputum and aspirates are collected via standard techniques and are delivered to the laboratory.The samples must be shipped to the laboratory under conditions that are appropriate for subsequent processing, culture and testing.
Unpack the patient samples and the requisition forms. Match each sample with the corresponding request form and make sure that the identifiers on the sample containers match those on the request form.The date and time that the samples were received and the initials of the personnel handling the samples are noted down in the Specimen Receipt Book that is lodged in the Specimen Processing Lab.
Details of specimen volume, appearance and allocation of a laboratory number are recorded in the specimen processing daily worksheet and/or microscopy worksheets.
Use: / Specimen Processing Worksheet_form.docZN Microscopy Worksheet_form.doc
Auramine Microscopy Worksheet_form.doc
Location:
Proceed to assign the next chronological Laboratory number to the received sample(s).Put all received samples on a suitable rack from where the person processing or testing will pick them up.
If specimens have been received later in the evening, store appropriately till the next morning. For sputum samples, transfer to a sealed container for storage in the fridge at 2 - 8°C.
5.3. Sample Rejection Criteria
A sample will be rejected if it meets one or more of the following criteria;
- Sample container is broken, damaged, or leaking. Do not try to rescue such a sample as it may expose you to infection risks.
- Sample container is not labeled or there is not enough information on the container to match with the laboratory request form.
- Information on laboratory request form does not match sample label.
6.REFERENCES
Kent PT, Kubica GP. Public Health Mycobacteriology. A Guide for the Level III Laboratory. US Department of Health and Human Service. Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, 1985.
World Health Organisation. Laboratory Services in Tuberculosis Control. Part 1. Organisation and Management. 1998. WHO/TB/98.258.
7. CHANGE HISTORY
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