Packaging samples
How to bag samples and paperwork so they arrive safely, including urgent samples.
For each patient
- Check each tube is labelled and the cap is on firmly.
- Put that patient's tubes in a sample bag with the absorbent pad and seal it.
- Put the printed request form in the outer pocket of the bag, never in with the tubes.
Use one bag per patient. Never put two patients' samples in the same bag.
Urgent samples
Use a red "urgent" sample bag for samples that need priority processing, and call or WhatsApp us on 020 4525 8805 before they're sent, so we're ready for them.
Sending several patients' samples
Put the sealed patient bags together in a large transport/courier bag. You can order all of these bags from Consumables:
| Bag | Use |
|---|---|
| Small / large clear sample bags | One patient's samples |
| Red urgent sample bags | Urgent samples |
| Large transport/courier bags | Several patients' bags together, for the courier |
| UN3373 postal packs | Sending samples by post |
Sending by post
Samples sent by post need special packaging and labelling by law. See Sending samples by post.