Diagnostic Specimen Transfer to King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust:

Request forms must contain the following information.

  • The patient’s name

  • Requestor’s name and address

  • Date of birth

  • Gender

  • NHS number if available should be given

  • Date/time of specimen collection

  • Test(s) required

  • Relevant clinical information

  • Type of specimen

Errors made when completing the form may result in delays in processing.

Labelling samples

All samples must be clearly labelled with sufficient information that unequivocally links the sample to an individual patient.

Samples will not be processed if important patient details are not included, or if samples cannot be matched unequivocally to request forms.

At least two of the following must be given on the form and sample for the request to be accepted: patient’s name, date of birth, NHS number. The requestor's name or location should be included, plus the date/time of specimen collection.

Packaging

Please ensure that diagnostic specimens are packaged to meet the UN Packing Instruction 650 (P650) [ADR 2009 / the Carriage of Dangerous Goods & Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment 2007].

Primary receptacles must be placed in secondary packages in such a way that, under normal conditions of transport, they cannot break, be punctured or leak their contents into the secondary packaging. Secondary packages must be secured in outer packaging with suitable cushioning material.

Jiffy bags and plastic bags do NOT meet this criterion so should not be used.

Should you have any queries or require any further information please contact Tania Palk – Environmental Manager on 0203 299 1776 or tania.palk@kch.nhs.uk.

See HSE guidance at http://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/biologagents.pdf for further information.

Note: If you have made formal arrangements with us to obtain an integrated diagnostic report for your suspected haematological malignancy, all samples must be sent directly to the King’s HMDC postal address below. Otherwise please continue to send your samples directly to the appropriate laboratories.