How to label samples

Samples must be labelled correctly for acceptance in the laboratory. Improperly labelled samples will cause delays in processing and may require a recollection. 

Sample labelling criteria

Sample acceptance and rejection criteria

Non-blood sample collection

Guidelines for standard non-blood sample collection

Patient-collected samples

Collection containers are available from your local lab. Learn about sample collection information for samples collected by the patient.

Body fluids/CSF

Body fluid samples require strict collection and transportation criteria to maintain sample quality. 

Bone marrow

Bone Marrow requests must follow clinical guidelines determined by an IH Pathologist or Specialist with expertise in Hematology.

Complete the Request for Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy Form. The request form is reviewed by a pathologist to ensure appropriate ancillary tests are ordered before an appointment is booked.

COVID-19 sample collection

Review the resource for COVID-19 sample collection

Anatomical Pathology

Refer to the Department specific page for information about sample identification, collection and handling.

Microbiology

Refer to the Department specific page for information about sample identification, collection and handling.

Transfusion Medicine

Refer to the Department specific page for more information.

Transportation of samples

Blood samples must be delivered to the lab as soon as possible after collection and must be processed within two hours of collection. Blood samples that have not been centrifuged are transported at room temperature. Specimens arriving close to the two hour time limit may be rejected.

Samples must be packaged according to the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) legislation by trained personnel holding a valid TDG certificate. The individual shipping the sample is responsible for proper packaging and use of an approved shipping container (TDG certified for Category B specimens) to maintain sample integrity and prevent leaks or contamination during transport; protecting the public and environment from potential exposure to specimens.

Guidelines for packaging and transporting samples to the lab
  • Check all sample container lids are tight before packaging. Place sample into a secondary leak-proof container such as a plastic biohazard sealable bag. Add a liquid absorbent sheet, large enough to absorb any or all possible liquid that may leak during transport.
  • Each bag should include samples from only one patient and one testing department. Place Microbiology, Anatomical Pathology and Cytology samples in separate bags. For these samples, label with the site of collection and/or the sample number if multiple samples from the same site are collected.
  • Cervical screening testing, including liquid based cytology (LBC) vials and self collected HPV swabs are to be shipped directly to BC Cancer using the pre-paid packaging supplies available to order here. Samples should not be dropped off at the local laboratory.
  • Include all required information on requisition and specimen label. The date/time of collection is required, along with the identity of the person collecting the sample in case clarification is needed. Ensure contact information for the ordering provider and copy to provider(s) is complete with full name, billing number, address, phone and fax number. See the required information on requisition and label:
  • Place requisition in the side pouch of the biohazard bag (separate from the specimen) to prevent contamination. Fold requisition in half only. Do not roll or elasticize around sample.
  • Place all bagged samples into a larger sealable plastic bag and place in a sample transport shipping container. Keep samples in an upright position during transport whenever possible.
  • Add insulating material to insulate and prevent secondary container from shifting during transit, i.e. bubble wrap, paper packing material, etc.
  • Follow TDG guidelines for appropriate classification:
    • Transport as Exempt Human Specimens if all samples are known not to contain an infectious substance or samples are inactivated or preserved.
    • Transport as Category B specimens when samples are considered infectious according to TDG guidelines or infectious status is unknown , or are in forms that are not found on the list of Category A Infectious Substances (Refer to guidelines for Category A specimens
  • Deliver to lab as soon as possible after collection. Transport specimens within the acceptable time frame for analysis and at the required temperature. Click here to see temperature and time frame limitations for Microbiology Samples.
  • Microbiology samples requiring refrigeration must be transported in a transport container that is kept cold by adding ice packs. Do not place samples directly on the ice packs.

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