LABORATORY OF PATHOLOGY ONLINE POLICY MANUAL
SPECIMEN TRANSPORTATION
Specimens within NIH are transported by personnel from Patient Escort Services (6-9295) who are trained in the appropriate safety and packaging procedures suitable to specimen type and distance transported. All specimens must be properly labeled to meet the NIH requirements for transportation of biohazards. Escort Services have a tracking system to ensure that all specimens submitted to the laboratory are actually received. Electronic orders are placed in the Clinic Research Informatics System (CRIS) or are FAXed to the individual laboratories and individual laboratory sections/units record specimen receipt in either a logbook or the Laboratory Information System. These systems can be used to track specimens when needed.
The nurses transporting specimens to the Frozen Section Room from the operating room enter these into a logbook. Histology personnel review the logbook and initial each entry when specimens are transported from the Frozen Section Room to the Histology Laboratory. They confirm that all specimens are properly labeled and placed in sealed containers prior to transporting materials on a laboratory cart.
All specimens will be submitted in appropriately labeled and well-constructed containers with secure lids (or sealed bags) to prevent leakage during transport.
Specimen Transportation From Outside of Building 10
All specimens must be properly packaged and labeled to indicate the general nature of the materials transported. All shipments received must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws governing packing, labeling, and transportation.
The following web resources are available for procedures for handling suspicious packages.
Occasionally, specimens may be hand carried by personnel from other buildings, (e.g., Suburban Hospital or Navy Hospital). When doing so, make sure the packages are double bagged (or placed in a secondary sealed container) to prevent any potential leakage. A Nalgene leakproof, sealable, puncture-proof container available through most catalogs to transport materials between buildings is recommended. Specimens should be labeled “Diagnostic Specimen.” Hand carried materials must have sufficient absorbent material to absorb all specimens, if the primary container breaks or leaks. If using a courier, follow the packing instructions provided by the courier. If the specimen is known to be infectious, then it becomes a regulated dangerous good and must be packaged following the guidelines for infectious substances (see Freight Forwarding Section instructions on page 12 for more details or contact the Clinical Laboratory Manager).
If it is necessary to transport a deceased patient for autopsy, contact Admissions (6-3315) to arrange transportation using a licensed funeral home or service.
