High Risk Samples
Any specimen from a patient who has (or is suspected to have) a hazardous infection (see Approved List of Biological agents, 2013) must be labelled with a 'Risk of Infection' label on both the request form and sample tube. The sample should first be sealed in a separate bag before being placed in a double compartment bag. The request form must NOT be sealed in the bag with the specimen.
Hazardous infections include HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
No sample should be taken from a patient suffering from a viral haemorrhagic fever (Lassa, Marburg or Ebola) until a consultant Medical Microbiologist has been informed.