Electronic Requests via ICE
The orders provided by ICE will contain all the patient and test information required by the laboratory to link the patient to an existing record or create a new record within the laboratory system. Each specimen label contains a unique barcode to link the patient, specimen type and associated tests to the electronic order. It is important that you add the correct label to the correct specimen container. The specimen container is clearly shown on the label in the top left corner e.g. SST (Yellow Top). Please note – for electronic requests, we no longer require a request form and on arrival in the lab, all specimens container are scanning into the laboratory system.
Manual Requests
All specimens must be clearly labelled (patient’s surname, forename, date of birth, time and date of collection) and accompanied by a correctly completed request form which must indicate date and time of sample, hospital number, surname, forename and date of birth of patient, the hospital and ward, the investigation(s) required and the reason for the request and the identity of the person collecting the primary sample. The patient’s NHS Number/hospital number is essential. Please note – for manual requests, specimens & request forms without adequate identifiers may be rejected
For full details – see Southwest Pathology Sample Acceptance Policy
Guide – What happens if my request fails the minimum required data set
Collection Guides
- Tube Guide BD Vacutainer System
- Specimen Collection Requirements for tests in Blood Sciences (Full List inc TATs)
- Coagulation Citrate BD Collection Information
Ordering Pathology Supplies
Pathology supplies must be requested using the appropriate form, which should be completed and emailed to SPSStores@SomersetFT.nhs.uk
For GP Surgeries ONLY – Downloadable Word Template
For Community Hospital and Treatment Centres ONLY – Downloadable Word Template
For MPH & YDH Acute Hospitals ONLY – Downloadable Word Template
Phlebotomy
Blood should be collected by venepuncture using the vacutainer system without the use of a tourniquet if at all possible. If a syringe and needle are used to collect blood, the needle should be removed from the syringe before transferring the blood to the appropriate vacutainer tube. After replacing the stopper, the contents of the tube should be mixed gently to dissolve anticoagulant or clotting accelerator but on no account should the tube be shaken vigorously.
Somerset Foundation Trust
Both Hospitals (Musgrove Park and Yeovil District Hospital) are responsible for their respective Phlebotomy Services – Please see trust guidelines on the each trust intranet website for details of the service provided.
