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Form and sample labelling criteria

ICE requesting

Most tests that we process are now available on the ICE requesting system. Each request will generate the appropriate number of labels for the containers that we will require to perform these tests, please ensure all containers are provided and do not stick more than one label on a tube.

The ICE system also allows us to add requesting information to a test when it is chosen, to ensure that it is relevant for the patient. These include alert messages and questions to ensure the clinical details are considered during requesting, these may then suggest other tests which could be more relevant. This information is decided by the Laboratory Consulting staff.

Sample labelling guidance.

If you have any issues with a printer producing ICE labels within the trusts, poor quality or alignment issues please contact the Trust IT Service Desk with the PC number.

 

Unlabelled or Inadequately labelled Request Forms

Where an unlabelled or inadequately labelled request form is received with a labelled specimen, the patient information may be taken from the specimen and written on the request form. The location of the patient should be identified and contacted in order to ascertain the test(s) required and any additional information necessary for completion.


 Unlabelled or Inadequately Labelled Specimens

 LABORATORY STAFF MUST NOT ALTER OR COMPLETE SPECIMEN LABELLING

These specimens will be booked in as per the accompanying request form. The unlabelled or inadequately labelled specimen MUST be rejected. The rejected specimen cannot be returned to the person who took the specimen under any circumstances.

Request Form and Specimen Labelling Incompatibility

Where the request form and specimen are labelled differently the requesting clinician or ward will be informed and a repeat specimen requested. The specimen and request form MUST be discarded.
 
Specimen and form labeling criteria for Haematology and Clinical Biochemistry (except Blood Transfusion specimens and requests).

For examples of request forms, click on the link 

Essential information for specimen Desirable information for specimen
  1. Surname
  2. First name or Initial
  3. Date of birth or patient Identification (hospital, NHS, accident and emergency or major incident number)
  • Signature of the person  labelling the tube
  • Specimen collection date
Essential specimen information from unconscious patient                            Desirable specimen information from unconscious patient                                
  1. Identified as unconscious (name unknown)
  2. Gender
  3. Unique hospital registration number
  • Signature of the person  labelling the tube
  • Specimen collection date
Essential information for request form Desirable information for request form
  1. Surname
  2. First name
  3. Date of birth or Patient Identification (hospital, NHS, accident and emergency or major incident number)
  4. Gender
  5. Patient's location and destination for report
  6. Patient's consultant, GP or name of requesting practitioner
  7. Investigation(s) required
  8. Date and time specimen collected
  • Clinical information including relevant medication
  • Patient's address including postcode.

Practitioner's contact number (extension or bleep number)

 

 Labelling Samples for Blood Transfusion Requests 
 
Details of the prerequisites for a pre transfusion sample and special requirements can also be found on the reverse of the blood transfusion request form.
Requests must be accompanied by an appropriate 'Blood Transfusion' request form which must be correctly filled in with the following details:

1. Surname
2. First name
3. Date of birth
4. Unique Patient identification number (Hospital or NHS number)
5. Printed name of the requesting Dr
6. Printed name of the person taking the sample
7. The special product required section to be completed

A pre-printed patient addressograph label is accepted on the form only.

The label on the sample tube must be hand written at the bed side with the following minimum patient identification:

1. Surname
2. First name
3. Date of birth
4. Unique Patient identification number (Hospital or NHS number)
5. Signature of person labelling the tube

Samples from unconscious patients must be identified as such and have the following details written on the tube:

1. Gender
2. Unique hospital registration number
3. Signature of person labelling the tube
 
Any omissions or mistakes on either the form or sample will result in the request being rejected and the sample being discarded