Specimen collection and Transport for Microbiologic examination
Protocol of sample collection
For successful isolation of pathogens,proper collection of samples and its safe dispatch to
Laboratory is important. The accuracy of laboratory diagnosis depends on collection of right
clinical specimen at the right time and transported in the right way to the laboratory.
Patient education: Clear communication of instructions for sample collection to patients is
important because the experiments and tests cost handsome money and the results can
significantly affect the lives of the patients who depend on them.
Three steps are involved in obtaining a good quality specimen for testing:
1. Preparation of the patient
2. Collection of the specimen
3. Storing and/or transporting the specimen
Precautions
1. The completely filled requisition/ request form should accompany the specimen.
2. Collect the sample for culture before starting antibiotic therapy or 1-3 days after
stopping the antibiotics. It should not come in contact with antiseptic or disinfectant.
3. Collect the specimen at the appropriate or acute phase of disease.
4. Obtain representative specimen. (e.g. sputum in respiratory tract infection not saliva)
5. Prevent contamination of specimen with normal body flora and environmental
microbes, using following aseptic steps.
a. Wash hands before and after collection.
b. Collect the specimen aseptically in sterile or appropriate container.
c. Close the container tightly. It also prevents leakage of contents.
d. Clean the outside of the container after collection.
6. Provide adequate quantity of specimen.
7. Label the container appropriately with Name, Age and registration number of patient,
type of sample, date and time of sampling
8. Arrange for immediate transportation to microbiology laboratory or it should reach the
lab at least within 1- 2 hours of collection.
9. Send another sample in case of rejection by laboratory. Criteria for rejection of samples:
a. Missing or inadequate identification
b. Insufficient quantity
c. Specimen collected in an inappropriate container
d. Suspected contamination
e. Unknown time delay
f. Hemolyzed blood sample
Protocol of sample collection
For successful isolation of pathogens,proper collection of samples and its safe dispatch to
Laboratory is important. The accuracy of laboratory diagnosis depends on collection of right
clinical specimen at the right time and transported in the right way to the laboratory.
Patient education: Clear communication of instructions for sample collection to patients is
important because the experiments and tests cost handsome money and the results can
significantly affect the lives of the patients who depend on them.
Three steps are involved in obtaining a good quality specimen for testing:
1. Preparation of the patient
2. Collection of the specimen
3. Storing and/or transporting the specimen
Precautions
1. The completely filled requisition/ request form should accompany the specimen.
2. Collect the sample for culture before starting antibiotic therapy or 1-3 days after
stopping the antibiotics. It should not come in contact with antiseptic or disinfectant.
3. Collect the specimen at the appropriate or acute phase of disease.
4. Obtain representative specimen. (e.g. sputum in respiratory tract infection not saliva)
5. Prevent contamination of specimen with normal body flora and environmental
microbes, using following aseptic steps.
a. Wash hands before and after collection.
b. Collect the specimen aseptically in sterile or appropriate container.
c. Close the container tightly. It also prevents leakage of contents.
d. Clean the outside of the container after collection.
6. Provide adequate quantity of specimen.
7. Label the container appropriately with Name, Age and registration number of patient,
type of sample, date and time of sampling
8. Arrange for immediate transportation to microbiology laboratory or it should reach the
lab at least within 1- 2 hours of collection.
9. Send another sample in case of rejection by laboratory. Criteria for rejection of samples:
a. Missing or inadequate identification
b. Insufficient quantity
c. Specimen collected in an inappropriate container
d. Suspected contamination
e. Unknown time delay
f. Hemolyzed blood sample
