Clinical samples processed by SERL

Faecal samples

Please submit 1-2g in a sealed universal container appropriately labelled with a completed request form.

Laboratories should refrain from submitting repeat faecal samples that have been collected within 24-hours. SERL conducted an audit in 2019 which confirmed the first faecal sample taken after the onset of bloody diarrhoea is most likely to be the sample that tests positive.

Subsequent samples are more likely to test negative as the organism is shed with the faeces. Further information and guidance on sample submission can be obtained from the SMVN Notification (from 17-May-2019).

Faecal samples must be appropriately packaged and transported in accordance with UN3373. Packages of faecal specimens must contain sufficient absorbent material to absorb all liquid within the package. If you are unsure on how to send samples, please contact SERL for advice.

 

Rectal swabs

In the absence of a faecal sample, SERL can process specific rectal swabs with advanced agreement. If you wish to submit swabs, please discuss this with SERL by telephone (0131 242 1947) prior to sample collection.

Rectal swabs must be appropriately packaged and transported in accordance with UN3373.

 

Escherichia coli isolates

Please submit a pure culture on an agar slope appropriately labelled with a completed request form.

Confirmed or suspected Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) isolates are Hazard Group 3 pathogens and, although derogated to UN3373 for transport, must not be transported by Royal Mail. SERL must be notified in advance by telephone (0131 242 1947) prior to dispatch of isolates.

This ensures compliance with postal regulations for the transport of dangerous goods and any loss of isolates in transit can be detected. SERL will confirm receipt of all submitted isolates by telephone.

 

Sera, blood and clotted blood

SERL no longer accept patient sera, blood or clotted blood for processing. Please do not submit these samples but instead, send a faecal sample if appropriate.

 

Labelling of clinical samples

All sample containers received by SERL must be labelled with the following minimum data:

  • Surname and Forename
  • CHI or Date of Birth
  • Senders specimen number

 

SERL request form

Download the SERL Request Form (PDF format)

Samples submitted to SERL must have a completed request form carrying all relevant clinical and epidemiological information. Completed forms must be placed inside the outer cardboard box, not stored inside the plastic container.

SERL request forms must carry the following minimum data:

  • Patient Unique Identifiers (Surname, Forename, CHI)
  • Date of Birth & Sex
  • Location of sender
  • Specimen type being sent (faeces or isolate)
  • Senders laboratory sample number & sample collection date and time
  • Associated clinical and epidemiological information

 

Clinical details and type of incident

Please ensure the Clinical Details and Type of Incident fields are completed as this will inform which tests should be performed. If this information is not provided, this may result in a delay in processing or the sample may not be processed.

Should patients have clinical symptoms that do not appear as a tick box option on the request form, please write the information in the Other Relevant Information field so it's clear why the sample has been submitted.

 

Clearance samples

If samples are being submitted for clearance from a known positive patient, please indicate clearance on the request form.

 

Labgnostic (NPEx) requests

SERL can receive sample requests using Labgnostic, previously known as National Pathology Exchange (NPEx). This reduces time needed to complete paper forms and transcription errors in sample or patient details. We are unable to report results using Labgnostic with our current laboratory information management system.

If you would like to explore implementing Labgnostic for the submission of specimens, please contact SERL for further discussions.

 

Incomplete clinical information

Samples or request forms that do not contain the minimum required information may be rejected or processing may be delayed.

 

Non clinical samples

Please contact SERL, in advance of sending samples, to discuss the processing of non clinical samples from Public Analyst, Veterinary, Food, Water or Private Laboratories.