Microbiology

Rejection criteria are designed to prevent inaccurate data and to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel. Microbiology specimens may be rejected for the following reasons:

• Improperly labelled specimen
• Unlabelled specimen
• Incomplete information on the requisition
• Sub-optimal specimen
  i.e. leaking urine and/or stool containers, insufficient quantity
• Duplicate microbiology samples received on the same day
  i.e. multiple stool, sputa specimens
• Specimen delayed in transit

***********CRITICAL MESSAGE**************

Effective February 1, 2007, all specimens for Microbiology testing received by CLS that are not clearly labeled with two patient identifiers will be rejected.

The specimen MUST be clearly labeled with the following information:

Patient’s full name (first name and last name) AND one of the following additional identifiers:

• Personal Health Number (PHN)
• Medical Record Number (MRN)
• Date of Birth (yyyy/mm/dd)

This change in policy is a requirement of our Accreditation by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta. Please ensure your staff is aware of this required change in laboratory policy in order to minimize the impact on patient care.

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Also refer to: CLS Specimen Rejection