Completion of test requests
In hospital, tests are requested electronically: using Cerner or iCare. In primary care, T-Quest should be used for electronic requesting if available.
For all electronic request, to please ensure that:
- The barcode produced is aligned correctly so all information is visable
- A barcode is placed on the sample neatly, uncreased and vertical so that analysers can read them. See the Correct labelling poster for guidance and print in areas where this may be helpful.
Paper request forms may be used only when electronic requesting is unavailable as this causes large delays within the laboratory.
Sample identification
Three points of identification are required to enable the sample to be processed which can include the forename, surname, date of birth and identification number, however please be aware that many of our patients have similar names and if an identification number is not available please give a further identifier such as address. Due to the risks associated with inaccurate identification of a patient’s sample, laboratory staff are instructed not to take responsibility for processing samples that do not have this information and it is likely that the referrer will need to provide a further, appropriately labelled sample.
Required information
The following information are to be provided on the request form for those samples requested manually. The lack of those details within the essential column may lead to the sample being rejected or results not being available for review.
Manual Request Requirements
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Essential
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Desirable
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Sample
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Forename and Surname or unique identifier
Date of Birth
OCS (Request Barcode) for electronic requests
Blood transfusion samples must be handwritten. Samples with printed labels will be rejected
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Date and Time of collection
Sample type
NHS or Hospital number
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Request form
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OCS (Request Barcode) for electronic requests
NHS number
Hospital number
Forname and Surname or unique identifier
Gender
Patient’s location (Destination for report)
The requesting doctor (Consultant or GP)
Test required
High risk specimens should be clearly identified with a risk of infection label
Phlebotomist’s details
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Clinical information
Patient’s address
Requestors contact number
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