Transport of specimens
Transport of Specimens to the Laboratory
1. Purpose and Scope of Document
Specimen transportation systems need to ensure the timely
arrival of specimens at the correct destination at minimum risk to
both laboratory and non laboratory personnel. This document
describes the precautions and actions that need to be taken during
transporting samples to Laboratory Medicine at The Bristol Royal
Infirmary from within the hospital by porters and other staff and
from outside hospitals within UHBristol. Pathology samples might
contain micro-organisms capable of infecting others. The
instructions are intended to minimise the risk of infection to
those people transporting samples, and to the public at large.
2. Policy & Procedure
2.1 Specimen transport within the BRI and adjacent hospitals
provided by hospital transport
To prevent infection samples are normally contained in leak
resistant tubes or bottles that are placed within leak resistant
plastic bags.
Additional risk of infection arises when:
The outside of a sample container or its plastic bag is
contaminated at source.
A sample leaks in transit.
A sample is dropped and breaks in transit.
A sample is dropped and its loss is not noticed.
Instructions to reduce additional risk
To minimise the chance of dropping specimens, carry all specimens
in a pathology collection trolley, or transport box, or plastic
carrier bag, do not carry by hand or place in a pocket. Plastic
carriers are available for emergency collections from clinics and
wards in the porters lodge and pathology.
If a specimen is found to be leaking on collection, refuse to
handle it, and inform the ward or department Sister/Manager.
If a specimen leaks on route, tell the reception staff on
returning to the laboratory. They will arrange for it to be cleaned
up.
If a specimen is dropped and the container breaks or leaks, do
not touch it. Contact the laboratory Ex 23080, or if on ward or
clinic, inform Sister/Senior nurse. If no one is available to
inform, try and protect the soiled area with chairs or other
objects and call for assistance (e.g. Laboratory Medicine Reception
or the main porter's lodge Ex 22631).
Van drivers observing leaking specimens while in transit, cover
the spill with absorbent material e.g. cotton wool or paper, and
request the assistance of the laboratory on return to the hospital
(ext 23080). If a breakdown or an accident occurs do not allow
anyone to touch the specimens unless they represent the Pathology
directorate.
2.2 Additional requirement for public transport (taxi)
All specimens will be placed in screw capped plastic containers
and placed inside a transport box that indicates the contents are
pathological samples. The outside of the box will also be labelled
to include contact details for the laboratory in case of loss of
the sample or spillage.
2.3 Action in the event of personal injury by a sample or
needlestick
If you suffer personal injury (e.g. cut yourself), and the wound
might be contaminated with a leaking or spilled specimen, or if a
specimen splashes in your eye, treat the incident as a sharps
injury and immediately follow the trust procedure Stop what you are
doing, wash wound with soap and water (do not use antiseptics etc)
and encourage bleeding if appropriate THEN reported to UHBristol
Occupational Health Service immediately using the Needlestick
Hotline on Tel: (0117) 34 24987. During office hours you will be
dealt with straight away. Out of office hours contact Switchboard
on External Tel: (0117) 342 0000 or Internal Tel: 100. They will
arrange for the Occupational Health Doctor on call to contact you
and give the necessary advice.
2.4 Protection of samples from deterioration and reporting of
incidents
Samples will be protected from deterioration by the provision of a
regular collection service by a formal van collection and porters
rounds during the day (details are available from specimen
reception). Out of hours an air tube and a portering service are
available. Additionally advice and facilities are available for the
transport of samples on ice or those that need urgent separation.
Any incidents that occur during specimen transport will be reported
to the pathology reception supervisor.
