Laboratory Specimens Labelling Instructions 

Using Pre-printed Labels (TRAK and GPOC)

Do not attach more than one label to the same tube.

Do not print labels significantly in advance of sample collection as this will result in an inaccurate 'time of sampling' being held in the patient record.

It is important to match the label with the appropriate sample type.

For Blood Tubes

Stick the label for the blood tube (including the date and time) OVER the existing tube label, in the same orientation.   (Line up top of labels).  (Lab staff need to see the quantity of blood in the tube through the clear tube not obstructed by the label).  Refer to the example tubes above.

For ESR Specimens

The ESR reader needs to see through the tube. Please attach the label to the lower part of the tube only (as shown below).
 
 

For Blood Transfusion Specimens

Please note that pre-printed labels are not acceptable on Blood Transfusion Requests (because of the risk of misidentification).  All Blood Transfusion specimen tubes must be hand written and signed. (Blood Transfusion section.)

For Microbiology Specimens

The labels must be attached to the specimens in such a way as to allow laboratory staff to be able to electronically read the barcode portion with ease. The barcode must therefore be placed ‘along’ the specimen in one plane from the top to the bottom. Please do not obscure the blood culture bottle barcode with patient demographics labels.

For Pathology Specimens

For Universal containers or specimen pots: Stick the label for the container (including the date and time) OVER the existing container label in the same orientation.

Samples with Form requests 

After taking the sample(s), use a patient identification label to identify each of the sample tubes with the exception of the ESR tubes which require to be hand written. Stick the label for the blood tube (including the date and time) OVER the existing tube label, in the same orientation.   (Line up top of labels).  (Lab staff need to see the quantity of blood in the tube through the clear tube not obstructed by the label)