Specimen Requirements

1. Prepare Patient for collection per protocol as necessary.
2. Submit specimen in 10% neutral buffered formalin.  The container lid must be securely tightened to prevent leakage and must be transported in a Bio-Hazard bag.
3. Label the specimen container according to Ridgeview's Specimen Integrity Policy, P10192.
   • The label must contain at least 2 identifiers including the patient’s name, date of birth. The same information must be on the requisition.
   • Time and date of collection must be present 
   • Collecting personnel’s identifier (Name) is required.
     • Collector’s identifier, Name in the EMR serves as verification that patient’s ID was checked. Outside Ridgeview Specimens should have this on the specimen label
   • Include appropriate clinical/diagnostic information with the specimen order.
   • Anatomic site/source required
   • Label the container and not the cover.
   • A similarly complete Pathology requisition form must accompany the specimen for Non-Ridgeview customers.

3.Transport the specimen directly to the nearest Ridgeview laboratory at Room Temperature.