Before analysis: linking patient identity, specimen labels and transport

Why this matters

Reliable testing begins before an analyser receives a specimen. WHO’s LQSI checklist links patient preparation and identification, requests, collection, labelling, packaging, transport and explicit acceptance or rejection criteria. ^[1] Teams should examine these handoffs as a connected pathway rather than unrelated tasks.

Evidence and important boundaries

WHO’s laboratory quality training toolkit covers sample management from collection through final storage or disposal to protect integrity. ^[2] Its quality manual template includes labelling, acceptance/rejection and transport procedures. ^[3] Time, temperature and container requirements must match the specimen and test; this article sets no universal values.

Suggested local application

ICORP suggests that laboratory and collection teams trace one real pathway from request to receipt. Examine how identity, label and request remain matched, who responds to discrepancies and how collectors are contacted. Communicate rejection criteria and define authorised review of exceptional circumstances.

What to monitor

Useful local measures include rejection reasons, recollections, transport delays and labelling issues, grouped where action is possible. Check definitions before comparing units. A lower rejection rate should not result from relaxing scientifically necessary criteria without justification. Laboratory specialists must determine the actual technical acceptance requirements.