Specimen transportation systems ensure the timely arrival of
specimens at the correct destination at minimum risk to both
laboratory and non laboratory personnel.
Pathology samples might contain micro-organisms capable of
infecting others therefore to minimise the risk of infection to
those transporting samples, and to the public at large samples
should be 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 22578, 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 porters 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 22578).
- If a breakdown or an accident occurs do not allow anyone to
touch the specimens unless they represent the Pathology
directorate.
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.
Action in the event of personal injury by a sample or
needlestick
If you suffer personal injury (eg 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.
- Report to UHBristol Occupational Health Service immediately
using the Needlestick Hotline on Tel: 0117 342 4987. 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.
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.
