Medical Assistants are responsible for properly handling, labeling, and coordinating the pickup of all lab specimens. Proper specimen handling is critical to ensure accurate results, avoid re-collection, and maintain compliance.

 

📚 Resources Needed

 

🚀 Tips & Tricks

  • Always label specimens immediately after collection — never leave unlabeled samples.
     
  • Double check patient information before sending — errors will result in rejected specimens.
     
  • Always check the process to see what next steps may be needed for the specimen. Some require refrigeration, some require a centrifuge, etc. 
     
  • Schedule LabCorp pickup as soon as specimens are ready to prevent storage issues.

 

📘 Instructions

Be sure to follow the steps listed below.

Labeling Specimens

Immediately label all specimens after collection.

Ensure the label includes:

  • Patient full name
  • Date of birth
  • Date of collection
  • Type of specimen (if required)

⚠️ Do NOT leave any specimen unlabeled.
⚠️ Do NOT label specimens away from the patient.

 

Verifying Accuracy

Confirm that specimen labels match:

  • Patient chart in besa EHR
  • Lab requisition form

Double check all information before packaging.

⚠️ If information does not match, resolve before sending.

 

Processing and Packaging Specimens

Always check LabCorp to see how they want us to process the specimen. Some require urine cathiders to change where the urine is, some require us to put the labs in refrigerated specimen bags, some we have to run through the centrifuge, etc. Place specimens into appropriate LabCorp bags.

Ensure the following:

  • You followed the correct specimen processing step
  • Specimens are sealed properly
  • Requisition forms are included in the correct pouch
  • Biohazard protocols are followed

Separate specimens if required based on type.

 

Storage

Specimens are not picked up immediately:

Store according to requirements (room temp, refrigerated, etc.).

Ensure specimens are secure and organized in the LabCorp box for pickup.

 

LabCorp Pickup Coordination

Once specimens are ready:

Notify LabCorp for pickup using the clinic’s standard process.

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Confirm:

  • Pickup request has been submitted
  • Specimens are ready and accessible

Place specimens in designated pickup location. If they have not come yet and we are going to close. Be sure to place the box on the front door. Also, please send a message to the courier: Albert (714) 624-1024

 

Final Check Before Pickup

Before LabCorp arrives:

Confirm all specimens are:

  • Labeled correctly
  • Packaged properly
  • Matched with requisitions

⚠️ Missing or incorrect information may result in rejected specimens.

Done!