Samples MUST be labelled with the following as a minimum:

Forename + Surname

PLUS either

Full Date of Birth

OR Unique identifier

(e.g. NHS number)

- preferably both

AND Date & Time of Sample

WRITE THE TIME IF IT IS IMPORTANT! e.g. multiple samples on the same day

Request forms MUST

match the information on the sample -  plus:

Date of birth

Unique identifier (NHS number)

Address for the report

GP

Name of requestor

Tests/examination required

Time of last dose for drug assays

Infection risk status

Contact number of patient

Request forms SHOULD also have   DATE and TIME

         (GET INTO THE HABIT)

Gender of patient

Contact number for requestor

All relevant clinical information

Histopathology specimens and request forms MUST be labelled with full name, date of birth, a unique identifier or 1^st line of address.

Multiple samples taken at different times on a patient MUST be labelled on the tube with the time (24 hr clock) when the specimen is taken. The request form should be labelled accordingly.