SAMPLE REJECTION CRITERIA
 
All samples from ‘sterile sites’ are classed as unrepeatable.  Please note that in general, specimens of blood will not be classified as unrepeatable.
In the case of unrepeatable samples, the one received will be processed but reported with a comment explaining the issue. The laboratory will accept NO responsibility for the results on any samples thus processed.
The following are the reasons why a sample will be rejected by the microbiology laboratory, in the case of repeatable samples:
 
1.    Not appropriately labelled with patient and sample identifiers
 
It must be labelled with 3 of the following patient identifiers:
·         Forename and Surname (In full and not initials)
·         Date Of Birth
·         Address
·         Unique Identifier:
o   NHS number and/or
o   Hospital number and/or
o   Sexual Health Clinic Number number and/or
o   Occupational Health number
NB: A unique identifier may not be available in some instances. If so, please state on the form.
The patient identifiers on the sample request form must match those on the sample itself.
The following sample identifiers must also be available on sample request form and sample itself:
·         Sample type
·         Sample site
·         Sample date
 
2.    No request form or incorrectly completed request form received
See part 4 of the ‘General Considerations’ for what should be included.
 
3.    Sample is leaking
 
4.    Inappropriate sample for the test(s) requested
See ‘Recommended Samples’ section for what samples are required.
 
5.    Sample is not in the appropriate container (e.g. urine for culture in a non-sterile pot)
See ‘Recommended Samples’ section for appropriate containers.
 
6.    No clinician or location is given to send a report
 
7.    The sample or request form is illegible or unclear
 
8.    Sample is too old
Many samples for bacterial and/or fungal examination can be subject to overgrowth of organisms which can result in false negative and positive results. Therefore any of the following samples that are received beyond 72 hours of taking will be rejected:
·         Ear swabs
·         Ulcer swabs
·         Wound swabs
·         Urines
·         Sputum samples
·         Stool samples
 
When the acceptance criteria are not met in the case of repeatable samples, the microbiology laboratory will issue a report to the requesting clinician to that effect and/or notify the requesting clinician or deputy.  The senior member of the laboratory staff will also be informed.