Specimen Containers
All specimen containers must bear the following clearly legible information:
- Surname in full
- Forename, in full and initials of any other
- Date of birth
- Hospital number and date of collection
- Precise nature of the specimen
On removal, the tissue should be placed immediately into a suitably sized container which itself should contain 10% neutral buffered formalin. It is important to select a container of adequate size; tissue must never be forced into a container which is too small. Ideally, the volume of fixative should be at least 10 times the volume of the specimen and the specimen should be completely immersed. Failure to place the tissue in a suitable container with an adequate volume of formalin may affect the diagnostic process.
Ensure that the lids are secure and the specimen container is not leaking.
Urgent specimens should be labelled appropriately and transported to the laboratory immediately.
Hazardous specimens must be clearly labelled.
Once tissue has been placed in formalin it is unsuitable for bacteriological investigation. Tissues requiring this type of analysis should be placed in a dry, sterile container and sent to the Microbiology Department.
Formalin is a hazardous chemical and should be handled appropriately. Safety data sheets are available from the laboratory on request.
Supplies of specimen containers and neutral buffered formalin are available during normal working hours by contacting the Pathology Stores (extension 88781).
