PPP Laboratory Service Guide v1.04

Pantai Premier Pathology: Laboratory Service Guide
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................2
Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................4
Consultant Pathologist .........................................................................................................................5
Operation Hours, Location and Contact Numbers ...............................................................................5
24 hours Emergency Services .............................................................................................................8
Outpatients Phlebotomy Services .......................................................................................................8
Specimens Pick Up Services ...............................................................................................................9
Supplies ................................................................................................................................................9
Pricing and Payment Policy .................................................................................................................9
Feedback and Suggestions ..................................................................................................................9
General Information .............................................................................................................................9
Laboratory Requisitions ........................................................................................................................9
Test Requisition....................................................................................................................................9
Type of Request Forms ......................................................................................................................10
Test Order ..........................................................................................................................................10
Special Test .......................................................................................................................................10
Urgent Test.........................................................................................................................................10
Add Test .............................................................................................................................................10
Specimens Collection and Handling ..................................................................................................10
Types of Containers and Anticoagulant .............................................................................................11
Order of Draw For Blood Specimens .................................................................................................11
Collection Of Specimens ....................................................................................................................11
General Principles in Handling Laboratory Specimens......................................................................12
Prevention of Haemolysis ..................................................................................................................12
Packing and Storage of Specimens ...................................................................................................12
General Specimen Storage ................................................................................................................13
Transport of Specimen .......................................................................................................................13
Specimen Rejection .............................................................................................................................13
Specimens Rejection Criteria .............................................................................................................13
Rejected Specimens ..........................................................................................................................13
Preparation of Specimens ...................................................................................................................14
Collecting A Clean Catch Urine ..........................................................................................................14
Collecting 24 hours Urine ...................................................................................................................14
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test .............................................................................................................15
Urea Breath Test ................................................................................................................................15
Blood Gases and pH ..........................................................................................................................16
Semen Analysis..................................................................................................................................17
Version 1.04 Effective Date: 1st October 2022 Page 2 of 44

Cytopathology Guidelines ..................................................................................................................17

Histopathology Guidelines .................................................................................................................18
Handling of Specimen ........................................................................................................................18
Frozen Section ...................................................................................................................................18
Immunofluorescence (IMF) Stains .....................................................................................................19
Special Stains & Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Stains .......................................................................19
Radioactive Biological Specimen .......................................................................................................19
Microbiology Guidelines .....................................................................................................................21
Molecular Oncology Guidelines .........................................................................................................25
Molecular Infectious Disease Guidelines ...........................................................................................25
Cytogenetics Guidelines ....................................................................................................................26
Results Reporting ................................................................................................................................28
Reporting of Laboratory Results ........................................................................................................28
Report From The External Referral Laboratories ...............................................................................28
Urgent Results....................................................................................................................................28
Turn Around Time ..............................................................................................................................28
Critical Panic Values ..........................................................................................................................28
Appendix 1 ............................................................................................................................................33
Appendix 2 ............................................................................................................................................35
Appendix 3 ............................................................................................................................................36
Appendix 4 ............................................................................................................................................37
Appendix 5 ............................................................................................................................................38
Appendix 6 ............................................................................................................................................39
Appendix 7 ............................................................................................................................................40
Appendix 8 ............................................................................................................................................44

INTRODUCTION
Pantai Premier Pathology Sdn Bhd has laboratories in the Pantai group of hospitals, Gleneagles
hospitals, and non-hospital-based branches within Malaysia. Our reference core laboratory is located in
Pantai Hospital Ampang. We serve the needs of inpatients and outpatients at the hospitals we are
located, as well as other medical practitioners who practise within our area of service provision.
The Laboratory User Guide intends to communicate the important steps in laboratory tests requisition,
specimen requirement, specimen collection, handling, and transportation. It also serves as a guide to
the laboratory services available.
We provide quality laboratory services in the following disciplines:
• Allergy Testing
• Clinical Chemistry
• Cytopathology
• Drugs of Abuse Screening
• Endocrinology
• Fluids & Excretion Analysis
• Haematology
• Histopathology
• Immunology & Serology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Therapeutic Drugs Monitoring
• Transfusion Medicine
• Specialized Testing
The scope of our services includes specimen handling, specimen processing and analysis, reporting of
test results, handling and delivery of supplies and test reports to our clients. Our internal quality audits,
quality assurance and quality control programmes ensure the achievement of our quality service
mission.
The integrity and reliability of the testing process have direct implication on the quality of the analytical
results produced. Besides the usual regular preventive and service maintenance on the instruments and
compliance to instrument calibration protocols, our laboratories also participate in many internal and
external quality assurance programmes to monitor the testing processes.
We have more than 18 residents/visiting consultant pathologists from various disciplines involve in the
reporting and managing the quality of our laboratory’s services. Under the active guidance of the
consultants and our management commitment towards service excellence with 14 major branches are
accredited with MS ISO 15189 by Department of Standard Malaysia.

CONSULTANT PATHOLOGIST
Visit our website for more detail:

https://www.premierpathology.com.my/about-us/consultant-pathologist/
For pathologist advisory services kindly contact the respective laboratories.
OPERATION HOURS, LOCATION AND CONTACT NUMBERS
Corporate Office Customer Service Hotline

4th Floor, Pantai Hospital Ampang (T) +603 4280 9115 (F) +603 4297 4911
Jalan Perubatan 1, [email protected]
55100 Pandan Indah, Kuala Lumpur
(T) +603 4297 9911 (F) +603 4296 5901 Dispatch Hotline
Core Laboratory
(T) +603 4280 2911 / +603 4280 5911
Bangsar
(T) +603 2282 2108
Table 1: Operation Hours, Location and Contact Numbers
LIST OF LABORATORY & ADDRESS TELEPHONE NO. FAX NO. OFFICE HOURS
Central Region
Reference Core Laboratory (RCL), 03-4280 9115 03-4296 4095 Mon - Fri : 8.30am - 5pm
Kuala Lumpur Sat : 8.30am - 1pm
LG Floor, Bangunan MOB, Pantai
Hospital Ampang, Jalan Perubatan 3,
55100 Pandan Indah, Kuala Lumpur.
Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur 03-2282 8795 03-2287 2622 Mon - Fri : 9am - 5.30pm
Level 2, Block A, Pantai Hospital Kuala Sat : 9am - 1pm
Lumpur,
No. 8, Jalan Bukit Pantai,
59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
Reference Specialised Laboratory 03-2282 8795 03-2287 2622 Mon - Fri : 9am - 5.30pm
(RSL), Kuala Lumpur Ext 171 (CMDL), Sat : 9am - 1pm
Level 8, Block A, Pantai Hospital Kuala 176 (Cyto),
Lumpur, 134 (Histo)
No. 8, Jalan Bukit Pantai,
59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 03-9131 7147 03-9131 7141 Mon - Fri : 8.30am – 5.00pm
Basement, Pantai Hospital Cheras, Sat : 8.30am - 1pm
1, Jalan 1/96A, Taman Cheras Makmur
56100 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur 03-4141 3064 03-4141 3065 Mon - Fri : 8.30am - 5pm
2nd Floor, Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur Sat : 8.30am - 1pm
(Hospital Block), No. 286, Jalan
Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Klang, Selangor 03-3373 6252 03-3373 6271 Mon - Fri : 9am - 5pm
Ground Floor, Pantai Hospital Klang, Sat : 9am - 1pm
Lot 5921, Persiaran Raja Muda Musa,
41200 Klang, Selangor.

Klang Off-site, Selangor 03-33701315 03-33701329 Mon - Fri : 9am - 5pm

No.125, Ground Floor, Lebuh Turi Sat : 9am - 1pm
Off Persiaran Raja Muda Musa
41200 Klang, Selangor.
Prince Court Medical Centre 03-2160 0750 03-2160 0760 Mon- Fri : 8am – 6pm
Level 4A, Pathology Department, Sat : 8am – 1.30pm
No. 39, Jalan Kia Peng,
50450, Kuala Lumpur.
Northern Region
Sungai Petani 04-4412994 04-4413012 Sun - Thu : 8.30am - 5pm
Ground Floor, Pantai Hospital Sungai Fri : 8.30am - 1pm
Petani,
No.1, Persiaran Cempaka,
Bandar Amanjaya, 08000 Sungai Petani,
Kedah.
Laguna Merbok, +604 441 0722 - Sun - Thu : 8.30am - 5pm

2nd Floor, Fri : 8.30am - 1pm
Pantai Hospital Laguna Merbok,
C/O Amanjaya Specialist Centre Sdn.
Bhd.,
No:1, Lorong BLM1/10,
Bandar Laguna Merbok,
08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah
Alor Setar 04-730 8110 04-730 8110 Sun - Thu : 8.30am - 5pm
Ground floor, INS Medical Centre, Fri : 8.30am - 1pm
No. 639D, Jalan Pintu Sepuluh
05100 Alor Setar, Kedah.
Penang 04-646 5505 04-646 6606 Mon - Fri : 8.30am - 5pm

3rd Floor, Pantai Hospital Penang, Sat : 8.30am - 1pm
No. 82, Jalan Tengah
11900 Bayan Baru, Penang
Penang Off-Site 04-611 8188 04-611 8788 Mon - Fri : 8.30am - 5pm
5-G-31 & 5-1-31, The Promenade, Sat : 8.30am - 1pm
Persiaran Mahsuri,
Bandar Bayan Baru,
11900 Bayan Baru, Penang.
Gleneagles Penang 04-2200838 / 04-2106006 Mon - Fri : 9am - 5.30pm

6th Floor, Gleneagles Penang, 04-2108202 Sat : 9am - 1pm
No. 1, Jalan Pangkor,
10050 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang.
Ipoh 05-548 1279 05-548 8044 Mon - Fri : 8.30am - 5pm

4th Floor, Pantai Hospital Ipoh, Sat : 8.30am - 1pm
No. 126, Jalan Tambun,
31400 Ipoh, Perak.
Ipoh Off-site 05-543 0439 05-543 0150 Mon - Fri : 8.30am - 5pm
13, 13A & 13B, Pusat Perdagangan (office) / Sat : 8.30am - 1pm
Canning 2, 05-543 0696
Pusat Perdagangan Canning, (Histo dept)
31400 Ipoh, Perak.

Manjung 05-688 6608 05-688 8058 Mon - Fri : 8.30am - 5pm

1st Floor, Pantai Hospital Manjung, Sat : 8.30am - 1pm
Jalan PPMP 1,
Pusat Perniagaan Manjung Point,
32040 Seri Manjung, Perak.
Southern Region
Seremban 06-6016466 06-6016467 Mon - Fri : 9am - 5.30pm
Ground Floor, Oakland Commerce Sat : 9am - 1pm
Centre,
No. 55, Jalan Haruan 5/2,
70300 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
Ayer Keroh 06-231 7977 06-231 7978 Mon - Fri : 8.30am - 5pm
Ground Floor, Pantai Hospital Ayer Sat : 8.30am - 1pm
Keroh,
No. 2418-1, Km 8, Lebuh Ayer Keroh
75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka.
Ayer Keroh Off-site 06-231 3232 06-231 2277 Mon - Fri : 8.30am - 5pm
B7, B7-1, B8, B8-1 & B9-1 Sat : 8.30am - 1pm
Jalan PKCAK 1,
Pusat Komersial Cendana Ayer Keroh,
Hang Tuah Jaya, 75450 Melaka.
Muar 06-951 6095 06-951 6139 Mon - Fri : 9am - 5.30pm

No. 6, Tingkat 1, Taman Perniagaan Sat : 9am - 1pm
Jaya,
Pusat Perniagaan Mas Jaya,
Jalan Salleh, 84000 Muar, Johor.
Batu Pahat 07-4328855 07-4325885 Sun - Thu : 8.30am - 5pm

3rd Floor, Pantai Hospital Batu Pahat, Fri : 8.30am - 1pm
No. 9S, Jalan Bintang Satu,
Taman Koperasi Bahagia,
83000 Batu Pahat, Johor.
Gleneagles Medini 07-5601042 07-5601050 Mon - Fri : 8.30 am – 5pm

Level 1, No. 2, Gleneagles Medini, Sat : 8.30 am - 1pm
Jalan Medini Utara 4, Medini Iskandar,
79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
East Coast
Kota Bharu 09-7433535 09-7433530 Sat - Thu : 8.30am - 5.30pm
Kota Bharu Medical Centre Sdn Bhd Fri : 9am - 12pm
PT 179 - 184, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra,
Lundang,
15200, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Kerteh 09-826 2187 09-826 1730 Sun - Thu : 8.30am - 5.30pm

Lot 50058, Tingkat 1, Sat : 8:30am - 1pm
Jalan Kemaman - Dungun,
24300 Kerteh, Terengganu.
Kuantan 09-513 0886 09-513 0885 Mon - Fri : 9am - 5.30pm

A29, Ground Floor, Sat : 9am - 1pm
Lorong Tun Ismail 10,
Sri Dagangan,
25000 Kuantan, Pahang.

Kuala Terengganu 09-6221241 - Sun - Thu : 8.30am - 5.30pm

Ground Floor, Kuala Terengganu Sat : 8:30am - 1pm
Specialist Hospital (KTSH),
Lot 3963, Jalan Sultan Mahmud,
20400 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu.
East Malaysia
Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu 088-518908 - Mon - Fri : 7.30am - 5pm
2nd Floor, Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu, Sat : 7.30am - 1pm
Riverson@Sembulan, Block A-1
Lorong Riverson@Sembulan
88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Miri 085-613581 085-613581 Mon - Fri : 9am – 5.30pm

Lot 10627, Block 5, 2nd floor, Sat : 9am - 1pm
Airport Commercial Centre, Jalan
Airport,
98000 Miri, Sarawak
Satellite Laboratory
Cheras (UKMSC) 03 - 9171 1748 / 03 - 9171 1629 Mon - Fri : 8.30 am - 9pm
7th Floor, Clinical Block, 1749 Sat : 9 am - 5pm
UKM Medical Centre,
Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak,
56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
Perak Community Specialist Hospital 05-241 9000 - Mon - Fri : 8am - 6pm
277, Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Sat : 8am - 1pm
30250 Ipoh, Perak.
Kinta Medical Centre 05-2531122 05-2535122 Mon – Fri : 8.30am - 5pm

Ground floor, No. 20, Jalan Chung Thye Sat : 8.30am - 1pm
Pin,
30250 Ipoh, Perak.
Pusat Perubatan Ar-Ridzuan 05-242 1111 05-241 1110 Mon – Fri : 8.30am - 5pm
A1, Jalan Dato’ Seri Ahmad Said, Sat : 8.30am - 1pm
Greentown Suria,
30450 Ipoh, Perak.
Pengerang 07-8244881 07-8244882 Mon - Fri : 9am – 5.30pm

Central Medical Facility (CMF) Sat : 9am - 1pm
Plot 113, Petronas RAPID Project
Pengerang,
81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor.
Kensington Green Specialist Hospital 07- 213 3893 - Sun – Thu : 8am - 5pm
No. 2, Jalan Ceria 20, Fri : 8am - 12pm
Taman Nusa Indah,
79100 Nusajaya, Johor.
24 HOURS EMERGENCY SERVICES

The hospital-based laboratory provides 24 hours emergency services to the Pantai Hospital
inpatients and outpatients for the essential tests while others test are only done during office hours.
All specimens sent to for testing outside the normal office hours are subject to additional charges.
OUTPATIENT PHLEBOTOMY SERVICES

Phlebotomy services are available during the outpatient operating hours at our laboratories.

Referring clinics shall issue a Laboratory Request Form for patients to bring along to our outpatient
department to ensure correct and adequate specimens are collected. Please refer to Table 1 for the
operating hours. We are close on public holidays.
SPECIMENS PICK UP SERVICES

Kindly call up our service call line provided for specimen pick up services.
Specimens pick up service is available during the below operating hours (except for few
branches in Northern Region, East Coast and Southern Region):
• Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.30 pm

• Saturdays 9.00 am to 1.00 pm
• Sundays & Public Holidays Closed
For further details, please refer to Table 1: Operation Hours, Location and Contact Numbers.
Extended hours are also available in some areas. Please enquire with your local branch for details.
SUPPLIES
We provide the following consumables within 2 working days upon receiving the Supply Request
form from the client clinics:
• Request Forms
• Specimen Containers
• Sterile Swabs
• Cervical Smear Kit (Conventional and Liquid Based)
• Histopathology Specimen Containers
• Specimen Carrier Bags
Requisition of consumable supply with Supply Request form shall be submitted to the laboratory
personnel during office hour 1 day in advance of the expected date of supply.
The collection of supply is strictly during normal office hours only.
PRICING & PAYMENT POLICY

• All prices are quoted in Ringgit Malaysia and subject to the implementation of the Goods and
Services Tax.
• All cheque payment shall be payable to “Pantai Premier Pathology Sdn Bhd” only.
Our Marketing and Despatch personnel are authorised to collect the cheques on behalf of the
company.
FEEDBACK AND SUGGESTIONS

We value and welcome your feedback in relation to our services. If you have any comment or
suggestion, please contact our Customer Service +603 4280 9115 or our respective branch or
email to [email protected]
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please refer to our Service Catalogue for full range of examination offered by laboratory including,
as appropriate, information concerning samples required and primary sample volumes. We will
inform customer and user for any deviations from the Service Catalogue or service agreement
that impact upon the examination results.
LABORATORY REQUISITION
TEST REQUISITION
All specimens shall be accompanied by a request form filled with the following particulars:
• Patient’s Full Name & second identifier (Government ID or Passport No/Medical Record Number)
• Patient’s age, date of birth & gender

• Date & time of specimen collection

• Diagnosis or Clinical History (Where Applicable)
• Name and signature of requesting doctor, clinic stamp and telephone number
• Billing mode (Cash, Clinic, Hospital and Employer/GL)
• Special attention if required (Urgent/Overtime/Phone/Fax No.)
• Nature / source of specimen
• Specimen Status (Fasting or non-fasting)
• Examination required
TYPE OF REQUEST FORMS

• Blood Bank/Transfusion Request Form
• Clinical Request Form
• Histopathology & Cytopathology Request Form
• Allergy Diagnostic Request Form
• PMCare Request Form
• Prudential Request Form
• Specialized Testing Request Form
• Microbiology Request Form
TEST ORDER
Tick at the column next to the test(s) to indicate the test(s) requested or name the test under the “OTHER
TEST” column if it is not included on the printed test list.
“SPECIAL” TEST
Certain special test e.g., blood transfusion, HIV, Cytogenetic, DNA testing requires informed consent. It
is the responsibility of the requester to ensure that consent is taken prior to testing. This consent should
be kept in the patient’s case note.
URGENT TEST
Tick on the URGENT box.
• Send specimen in URGENT Specimen Carrier Bag.
• Tick on phone/ fax and provide phone/fax number on the request form if verbal/faxing of report is
required.
ADD TEST
• Adding test to old specimen is subject to specimen availability, adequacy, and nature of specimen
• Overnight specimens are not suitable for biochemistry, haematology testing and microbiology.
• Please check with laboratory staff before adding new tests on same specimen. Do enquire with the
local branch on the test listing with allowable time limits for requesting additional examinations or
further examinations on the same primary sample.
• Verbal order of adding test is not acceptable. Additional tests shall be added upon receiving the
supplementary request form.
SPECIMENS COLLECTION AND HANDLING

Proper specimen collection and handling is an integral part of obtaining a valid and timely laboratory
test result. Specimens must be obtained using proper phlebotomy techniques, collected in the proper
container, correctly. It is the policy of the laboratory to reject specimens when there is failure to follow

these guidelines. All specimens should be handled with universal precautions, as if they are hazardous
and infectious.
TYPES OF CONTAINERS AND ANTICOAGULANT
Name Cap Type of Testing

Sodium Citrate Blue Coagulation
Plain Red Chemistry, Serology, Immunology, Endocrinology
Lithium Heparin Green Chemistry, Therapeutic Drugs
Sodium Heparin Green Karyotyping and FISH
EDTA Purple Haematology/ Blood banking & Crossmatch
Fluoride Oxalate Grey Glucose, Lactate
Refer to Appendix 1: BD Tube Guide and BD Microtainer Tube Guide
ORDER OF DRAW FOR BLOOD SPECIMENS

Blood collection tubes must be drawn in a specific order to avoid cross-contamination of additives
between tubes. The recommended order of draw for plastic vacutainer tubes is:
1. Blood culture tubes (applying full aseptic technique)

2. Citrate Tube (Blue cap)
3. Plain Tube (Red cap)
4. Heparin Tube (Green cap)
5. EDTA Tube (Purple cap)
6. Fluoride Tube (Grey cap)
NOTE: Tubes with additives must be thoroughly mixed. Erroneous test results may be obtained when
the blood is not thoroughly mixed with the additive.
Please refer to BD Vacutainer Order of Draw for Multiple Tube Collections (Appendix 2)
COLLECTION OF SPECIMENS
• Correct patient identification before specimen collection is extremely important. Identify the patient
prior to specimen collection, using at least two patient identifiers and label at the specimen
container.
• Avoid drawing blood below or from the infusion side to prevent dilution of blood specimen.
• Select specimen containers according to the tests requested (Refer to Price and Service Catalogue)
• Label specimen with waterproof ink at the point of specimen collection.
• Indicate the source of specimens on containers for anatomical pathology and microbiology specimens.
• Do not pre-label the empty specimen containers before attend to the patient.
• Blood bank specimen must be labelled clearly and accurately at patient's bedside immediately after
blood taking. DO NOT share blood bank specimen with other tests. Use only handwritten label and
never use pre-printed label or labelling specimen. The label should include at least 2 identifications
e.g., the patient's full name, MRN, NRIC or DOB. The date and time of collection and the
initial/signature of the person taking the blood.
• Label Glucose Tolerant Test specimens according to collection time.
• Fill up the citrate and EDTA specimens to the volume mark available on the tube to ensure the correct
anticoagulant to specimen ratio.
• Fill up the Microtainer tube to level between the lines to minimize the chance of microclot forming.
• The capillary tube shall be fill up 80% of tube and seal both end with wax or clay after sample has
been collected
• Neonatal Serum Bilirubin specimen must be cover to protect from sunlight and shall be send Urgently.
• Do not send specimen in syringes, regardless of whether the needles are attached or not.
• Place specimens in the inner pocket of the specimen carrier bag and seal the zip.
• Place the request form at the outer pocket of the specimen carrier bag.

• For collection of urine specimen for drug abuse testing, collection site must be secure in order to
eliminate the possibility of specimen tampering or adulteration.
Refer to blood collection of capillary tube and microtainer tube method (Appendix 3)
GENERAL PRINCIPLES IN HANDLING LABORATORY SPECIMENS
Known factors significantly affect the performance of the examination or interpretation of the results as
below:
• Secure all specimen containers’ caps to prevent leakage and cross contamination.
• Mix plasma specimen gently by inverting the specimen tubes. Avoid vigorous shaking to prevent
blood specimen haemolysis.
• Unless indicated, specimens should be stored at room temperature (air condition) and avoid exposing
specimens to extreme heat or cold.
• Place specimens in the inner pocket of the specimen carrier bag and seal the zip.
• Place the request form with complete Patient’s Information, clinical history and/or diagnosis at
the outer pocket of the specimen carrier bag.
• Send specimen(s) together with request form to the laboratory for testing as soon as possible after
collection to ensure best turnaround time and most accurate results. It is highly recommended that
the specimen should arrive in the laboratory within the same day of collection.
• Do not keep specimens overnight as these specimens may give erroneous and misleading results.
• To ensure the integrity of specimens, do not use expired collection container for specimen collection.
Expired supplies shall be returned to us or being disposed at your end. Please give us a call
for the arrangement.
• Fill up the citrate and EDTA specimens to the volume mark available on the tube to ensure the correct
anticoagulant to specimen ratio.
• Ensure correct type specimens in used.
• Avoid drawing blood below or from the infusion side to prevent dilution of blood specimen.
PREVENTION OF HAEMOLYSIS
Allow alcohol on venepuncture site to dry before inserting needle into the vein.
A 21-gauge needle is recommended for collection of blood using non-vacutainer tubes. There is a
greater likelihood of haemolysis with smaller gauge needles.
During venepuncture for collection of blood using non-vacutainer tubes, the plunger of the syringe should
be drawn back slowly, and the blood should flow freely.
After venepuncture for collection of blood using non-vacutainer tubes, remove the needle before
allocating blood into the blood tubes and expel blood gently into the correct collection container.
After collecting blood into the blood tube containing anticoagulant, immediately invert the capped blood
tube gently for several times to allow blood mixing with anticoagulant thoroughly to prevent clotting. Do
not shake the blood tube vigorously as this may cause haemolysis.
PACKING & STORAGE OF SPECIMENS

• Avoid exposing specimens to extreme heat or cold.
• Place specimen in the inner pocket of the specimen carrier bag and seal the zip.
• Request form shall be placed at the outer pocket of the specimen carrier bag.
• Send specimens with Request Form attached.
• Specimen in formalin (e.g., histopathology) is contained in a sealed container, preferably a screw cap
container.
• Slides specimens (e.g., pap smear slides) are kept in appropriate slide holders.

GENERAL SPECIMEN STORAGE

• All specimen collected or obtained, except for a few that require other specific instructions as indicated
in the specimen types, are to be left at room temperature in the clinics while waiting for pick-up by the
despatchers.
• Do not keep the specimens overnight in the clinics as these specimens may give erroneous and
misleading analytical results to some tests reported, examples are urea, electrolytes, phosphate,
glucose, etc.
TRANSPORT OF SPECIMENS
For clinic and wards situated within the hospital, the Pneumatic Tube System (if applicable) can be used
to send blood, urine, and swab specimens to the laboratory. Blood culture, surgical tissue, body fluids,
bone marrow specimens and amniotic fluid for cytogenetic examination shall NEVER be transported to
laboratory via Pneumatic Tube Systems.
SPECIMEN REJECTION
SPECIMENS REJECTION CRITERIA
To ensure the quality of the analytical results provided are not compromised due to the quality of the
specimens, our laboratory personnel will inspect the appropriateness of the specimens and test
requests upon receiving in the laboratory. Inappropriate or inadequate specimens or test requests will
be rejected according to the following Specimen Rejection Criteria:
• Broken/leaking/split specimen.
• Clotted EDTA
• Clotted Citrate
• Hemolyzed serum
• Grossly hemolyzed EDTA
• Grossly lipemic
• Discrepancy of patient information
• No request form accompanying with sample
• No specimen received
• No hand written label on crossmatch specimen
• Incomplete clinical history & diagnosis
• Incomplete date/time of specimen collection
• Incomplete Doctor's information/signature
• Incomplete Information of Nature/source of specimen
• Incomplete patient information
• Incorrect specimen type
• Insufficient specimen
• Unsuitable specimen
• Overfilled citrate specimen
• Underfilled citrate specimen
• Overnight/delayed specimen
• To rule out pre-analytical errors (wrong sample collection site is suspected)
• Microbiology specimen without proper transport medium
• Microbiology specimen collected in non-sterile container
• Tissue block specimen contain less than 10% of tumour for Molecular Oncology
• Collection swab has dried out for microbiology
• Specimen is grossly insufficient in proportion to the anticoagulant
• Inadequate histopathology/ cytopathology specimen
• Expired specimen container
• Test not available
• Specimen without label
REJECTED SPECIMENS
• Specimen rejection will be informed to the referring party by phone, followed by a Follow Up

Specimen Request Form fax/send to the referring party.

• Corrective action to be taken will be suggested upon the notification of specimen rejection.
• Provide analysis or perform specialized tests which require special skills or instrumentation that are
beyond the capacity of the in-house laboratory
• Provide analysis or perform tests that are requested infrequently
• Provide second opinion for histopathology, cytopathology, and related disciplines
• Provide backup service for unscheduled or unanticipated situation
The laboratory will not be held responsible for tests sent to a laboratory at the specific request of a
requesting clinician if the respective referral laboratory:
• Is not an approved Outsource Referral Laboratory by Pantai Premier Pathology Sdn. Bhd.
PREPARATION OF SPECIMENS
Preparation of specimens consists of the following:
1. Collecting A Clean Catch Urine
2. Collecting 24-hour Urine
3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
4. Urea Breath Test
5. Blood Gases pH
6. Semen Analysis
7. Cytopathology Guidelines
8. Histopathology Guidelines
9. Microbiology Guidelines
COLLECTING A CLEAN CATCH URINE

Clean-catch urine specimens are collected in a sterile specimen cup or container. Instruction shall be
provided to the patient prior to the specimen collection to facilitate a proper collection procedure.
Instruct the patient to wash hand thoroughly. The lid of the specimen container shall be removed and
avoid touching the inside of the specimen container or lid. For a female patient, she shall spread her
labia apart with one hand, keeping the folds separated for the rest of the procedure. Using disposable
wipes, clean the area between the labia and around the urethra thoroughly from front to back. Use a
new wipe for each stroke. If water is used in the cleaning, the same area shall be pat dry with clean
paper towel. Men follow the same instructions but cleanse the outside of the penis before starting the
urine stream. If the patient is not circumcised, he shall pull back the foreskin before starting the cleaning
procedure.
The patient shall urinate a small amount into the toilet and start collecting the urine in the specimen
container after 2 or 3 seconds. The patient shall avoid placing the container onto the perineal skin. A
collection of about 30 ml of urine is sufficient for urinalysis and bacterial culture procedure. The lid of
the container shall be secured before passing the urine specimen to the nurse.
A specimen that contains stool, vaginal discharge, or menstrual blood cannot be used.
COLLECTING 24 HOUR URINE

Instruction for 24 Hours Urine Collection
1. Note time before collecting urine.
2. Empty bladder completely.
3. Discard this urine specimen.
4. Collect all subsequent urine specimens passed during the next 24 hours in the container provided
with the suitable preservative in it. (Urinate into a small container and transfer it into the 24 hours
urine container provided).
5. Mix the contents thoroughly after each addition of urine if a preservative is used.
6. At the end of the collection period (approximately the same time the following day), empty bladder
completely.

7. Include the last urine specimen in the total collection.

8. Send the specimen immediately to the laboratory / Consultant suite.
9. Please do not urinate directly into the bottles as it contains preservative that are caustic and harmful
to the skin.
Note: Please include the height and weight of patient if creatinine clearance is being done.
Patient Preparation for urine VMA

Many Laboratories restrict food. Such as coffee, tea, bananas, and other foods. Some ask for no drugs
use (except for digitalis) for 2 weeks before the test. Aspirin, Peroxidane, Levodopa, Amoxicilin,
Cardidopa, Reserpine and Disulfiram commonly interfere.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor decrease VMA excretion.
For an infant, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag
with an adhesive paper on one end) and place it on the infant. For males, place the entire penis in the
bag and attach the adhesive to the skin. For females, place the bag over the labia. Diaper as usual over
the secured bag.
This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can move the bag, causing the urine to
be absorbed by the diaper. The infant should be checked frequently, and the bag changed after the
infant has urinated into the bag. Drain the urine from the bag into the container provided by your health
care provider.
Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.
ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST

The oral glucose tolerant test (OGTT) is used for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus, type 1
and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Patient shall be advised to resume normal diet intake (containing at least 150g of carbohydrate daily)
and usual physical activity for at least 3 days prior to the test. The patient must fast overnight (8-
14 hours) with only plain water is allowed. Smoking is not permitted during the test and the presence of
factors that influence interpretation of the results shall be recorded (for example: medications, inactivity,
infection, etc.).
A fasting venous blood specimen will be taken prior to the consumption of 75g anhydrous glucose.
Paediatric patient will be given 1.75 g/kg body weight up to 75g for the glucose load. Patient shall be
remained seated and consume nothing but water throughout the test. The test shall be abandoned if the
patient vomits during the test.
For general patients who are not pregnant, a fasting and 2-hour post glucose load venous blood
specimen shall be obtained for blood glucose testing; for OGTT performed on pregnant ladies, an
additional 1-hour post glucose load specimen is required besides the fasting and 2-hour post glucose
load specimens (Recommendation on the diagnosis and classification of hyperglycaemia in pregnancy
by International Association of Diabetes).
Specimens for OGTT shall be clearly labelled with the time of collection to allow the laboratory to
differentiate between the fasting and post glucose load specimens and report accordingly.
UREA BREATH TEST

PYtest Administration & Analysis in 3 Easy Steps
The patient should have fasted for 4 hours prior to completing the test. The patient should not have
taken antibiotics and bismuth containing products for 1 month, proton pump inhibitors for 1 week and
cyto-protective medicines such as sucralfate for 2 weeks prior to the test. This is because such
medications will decrease the DPM readings and may give false-negative results.
Step 1
The PYtest® Kit should be opened and all components laid out.
PYtest Kit Includes:

• 2 paper cups
• PYtest® balloon
• PYtest® capsule
• A straw
• A courier/mailbox for the balloon should the breath specimen need to be posted or air-freighted
Step 2
The Patient swallows a PYtest® capsule (containing a small amount of 14C-labelled urea) with 30mls
of water using paper cup provided. Wait 3 minutes then swallow the second cup of water and wait for
another 7 minutes before proceeding to Step-3. When the 14C-urea comes into contact with H. pylori in
the stomach, it is hydrolysed into 14C-carbon dioxide and ammonia. The 14C-carbon dioxide (14CO2)
enters the bloodstream and is carried to the lungs via the circulatory system and is exhaled by the
patient.
Step3
Ten minutes after ingesting the capsule, a breath specimen is collected in a special metalized mylar
balloon. The balloon containing the breath specimen may be analysed on-site or sent to a pathology
laboratory for analysis.
UREA C13 BREATH TEST KIT-HELIFORCEtm

The patient should have fasted and no smoking for 2 hours prior for completing the test. The patient
should not have taken Antibiotic/ Antibacterial at least 4 week, Proton Pump Inhibitor and H2 Receptor
Antagonists at least 2 week such as Amoxcycilin, Bismuth tricitrtate, Omeprazole, Lansoprazole,
Cimitidine and Nizatidine.
The Urea C13 Breath Test Kit-Heliforcetm should be opened up and all component laid sich as C13 Urea
Granule, 2 breath collection bag for 00-Min and 30-Min.
Step 1
Two breath collection bags will be given. Remember to label with patient’s Name and Date of
collection. Indicate one as 00-Min and another as 30-Min.
Step 2
For collection the 00-Min, remove pull-off cap from mouthpiece. Ask the patient to breath normally and
exhale into mouthpiece of the bag until it bloated. Replace the cap of the mouthpiece of the bag.
Step 3
Dissolve the C13 Urea Granule 80-100ml purified, room temperature water and mix well. Then, the
patient drink the solution and set time for 30 minute.
Step 4
After 30 minutes taking the C13 ure granule solution, collect breath again using the sample bag 30-Min.
Send both breath collection bags to the laboratory for analysis.
BLOOD GASES AND pH

The measurement of blood gases and pH are used to evaluate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange,
respiratory function, and acid-base balance. Arterial blood is preferred for these determinations due to
its superior uniformity throughout the body, but venous pH is extremely similar in most situations and is
more easily obtained.
The blood gases specimen shall be collected by using heparinized syringe. While collecting the blood
gases specimen, be sure that no air bubbles are aspirated into the syringe. After adequate specimen
volume is obtained, quickly remove the needle, and apply pressure on the puncture site.
The specimen shall be sealed immediately and placed on ice. It is important to keep the specimen
airtight and watertight and immediately transport the specimen to the Intensive Care Unit for testing.
The testing shall be performed within 10 – 15 minutes from the time of specimen collection.
Mode of oxygen delivery (whether the patient is breathing room air, oxygen, or ventilated) and patient’s
temperature must be indicated. Fever and assisted oxygen or breathing alters test interpretation.

The cause of specimen rejection includes clots in specimens, specimen left at room temperature for
more than 15 minutes and specimen is not properly sealed before analysing.
SEMEN ANALYSIS
1. Refrain from sexual intercourse or masturbation for between 3 to 5 days.
2. Produce the specimen by masturbation without artificial lubricants. Do not use condom, as condoms
contain spermicidal agents.
3. Collect the specimen into the clean, wide mouth container supplied. It is important that the whole
ejaculate is collected. If not, the specimen should be labelled as incomplete.
4. Record time of ejaculation and the number of day of sexual abstinence.
5. The specimen must be delivered to the lab within 1 hour once been collected without any delay.
Keep the specimen warm at body temperature during the transportation.
CYTOPATHOLOGY GUIDELINES
Table 2: Specimen Collection and Handling for Cytopathology Specimens

SPECIMEN TYPE COLLECTION & HANDLING GUIDELINES
BRONCHIAL • Roll brush over clean, dry slide.
BRUSHINGS • Fix immediately the labelled slides with spray fixative or 95% ethyl alcohol.
• The brush used to prepare bronchial brushing slides may be swished in a
container of Cytolyte solution to dislodge remaining specimen.
• Label containers/ slides with at least 2 identifiers (e.g., patient’s name, IC,
passport number or MRN)
• Submit to the laboratory using one request form.
FINE NEEDLE • Advanced booking is required for FNA by Consultant Cytopathologist as well
ASPIRATION as when assistance is required by MLT.
(FNA) • A signed consent from the patient shall be obtained by the person
performing the procedure. Refer Appendix 6 for sample of the consent
form.
• Fix 2 to 3 slides immediately (within a few seconds) using Cytopathology spray
fixative or immerse in 95% ethyl alcohol for 15-30 minutes.
• Provide another 2 to 3 air dry slide without fixative.
• Fluid obtained with a needle pass shall be expressed into a sterile container.
• Label containers with at least 2 identifiers (e.g., patient’s name, IC, passport
number or MRN) and indicate nature of the specimen.
• Label slides to indicate air dried or alcohol fixed smears.
• Submit to the Laboratory using one request form.
FLUIDS • Including CSF, bronchial washing, colonic washing, pelvic washing, effusion,
etc.
• Collect in a sterile container, label with at least 2 identifiers (e.g., patient’s
name, IC, passport number or MRN) and indicate nature of the specimen and
send immediately to the laboratory.
GYNAECOLOGY • Ideal sampling date is two weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period.
SMEAR Avoid sampling during normal menses.
• Avoid use of vaginal medication, vaginal contraceptives, or douches for 48
hours prior to examination.
• Information needed in the request form should include the following:
i) Last Menstrual Period (LMP)
ii) Previous surgery (GYN)
iii) Hormonal/Oral Contraceptive (OCP)

Liquid Based (ThinPrep/PathTezt)

• To obtain an adequate sample from the cervix, insert the central bristles of the
broom into the endocervical canal deep enough to allow the shorter bristles to
fully contact the ectocervix. Push gently and rotate the broom in a clockwise
direction 5 times.
• Rinse the broom in the preservative solution vial by pushing the broom into
the bottom of the vial 10times, forcing the bristles apart. Swirl the broom
vigorously to further release the material. Discard the broom.
• Tighten the cap so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on
the vial.
• Label the test vial with at least 2 identifiers (e.g., patient’s name, IC, passport
number or MRN).
• Refer to Appendix 4: ThinPrep® quick reference guide.
• Refer to Appendix 5: PathTezt quick reference guide.
Conventional
• Label the slide with at least 2 identifiers (e.g., patient’s name, IC, passport
number or MRN).
• Smear preparations shall be fixed immediately after collection:
Fixative Duration
95% ethyl alcohol 15 – 30 minutes
spray fixatives 10 minutes
• Fixed smears should be allowed to dry for 10 minutes prior to placing into slide
carrier for dispatch to the laboratory.
HISTOPATHOLOGY GUIDELINES
HANDLING OF SPECIMEN
• Routine specimens should be fixed in 10% buffered formalin unless otherwise stated.
• Ensure volume fixative 10:1 ratio of fixative to tissue. Fixative volume shall be at least 10 times of
the specimen size.
• Unfixed biopsy specimens for special immunofluorescence stains shall be sent to laboratory
immediately.
• Unfixed and fresh specimen for frozen sections shall be delivered to laboratory immediately.
• All specimens shall be labelled with patient’s 2 unique identifiers and nature of specimens.
• All histopathology specimens shall be sent in containers with proper labelling.
• Large specimen shall be sent in double-bagged plastic bag to prevent leakage.
• Multiple small specimens, such as gastrointestinal biopsies, shall be mounted on a piece of filter
paper and properly labelled.
• For specimens where orientation is important, mark or tag the specimen e.g., axillary tail of
mastectomy specimens, surgical margin.
• Specimens from different anatomical sites should be sent in separate containers, labelled, and
itemized in the same Histopathology Request Form.
• Specimens will be charged according to the number, size and nature of specimens, complexity and
not depending on the size of containers.
FROZEN SECTION
• At least one day advance booking is required.
• Contact Histopathology Department for enquiry.
• Specimen for frozen sections should be fresh specimen without fixative.
• An additional 100% surcharge will be imposed for frozen section request done after office hours.
• Courier service charge for waiting and pickup specimen.

IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE (IMF) STAINS

• At least one day advance booking is required.
• 2 containers of specimen required:
i. Fresh unfixed specimen for Renal OR Skin biopsy shall place on filter paper wet /soaked
with saline.
For outside Klang Valley - Kindly keep the fresh specimen in “Mitchel Fluid”.
Kindly request one week before procedure.
ii. Specimen in 10% buffered formalin.
SPECIAL STAINS & IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY (IHC) STAINS

• Special stains employ staining techniques to identify suspected pathogens or demonstrate specific
cellular components that aid pathologist in the evaluation of disease states.
• Immunohistochemistry stains (IHC):
- To give clear picture of cancer invasion & metastasis
- To decide appropriate line of therapy
- In prognosis and response to treatment
- In patient selection for targeted therapies
• Attending clinician will be informed of the additional test (Special stain or Immunohistochemistry
stain) and charge will occur for further staining, kindly contact Histopathology laboratory for
quotation.
RADIOACTIVE BIOLOGICAL SPECIMEN

• All biological specimens obtained from patients who have recently received radioactive material for
the purposes of therapy or diagnosis are regarded as hazardous.
• All radioactive specimens should be sealed into containers and labelled with:
- Radioactive label: “Caution Radioactive Material”
- Type of radioisotope
- Date and time the patient received radioisotope
• The requesting clinician must ensure to state that the specimen is radioactive and specify the
radionuclide in the request form.
• Ensure double packaging of the radioactive specimens to prevent any potential leakage and do not
use Pneumatic delivery system for radioactive specimens.
Table 3: Histopathology Specimen and Code
TEST NAME TEST CODE SPECIMEN
Uncomplicated specimen HSS 1. Appendix

2. Fallopian tubes (1 Side)
3. Vas (1 Side)
4. Tonsils (1 Side)
5. Adenoids
6. Sebaceous cyst
7. Nasal polyp
8. Heart valve
9. Endocervical polyp
10. Endometrial curetting
11. Endometrial sampling/ pipelle
12. Doughnut (rectum)
Biopsy BX 1. Wedge biopsy

2. Punch biopsy
3. Tru-cut biopsy (breast, 1 site)
4. Tru-cut biopsy (prostate – for 3 strips)
5. Tru-cut biopsy (bladder, lung etc.)
6. Antral biopsy
7. Gastric/ Stomach biopsy
8. Colon biopsy

9. Cervical biopsy
10. PNS/NPC
11. Skin Lesion
12. Skin tag
13. Skin Biopsy
14. Liver biopsy
15. Lung biopsy
Medium Complicated Specimen HMS 1. Eye

2. Salivary gland
3. Thyroid lobe (1 side)
4. Breast lump (1 Site)
5. Gallbladder
6. Prostatic chips (<3cm)
7. Splenectomy
8. Simple hysterectomy (prolapse)
9. Ovarian cyst/mass (<10cm)
10. Excised diabetic ulcer
11. Excised tumour (<10cm)
12. Lipoma (<5cm)
13. Omentum (<5cm)
14. POC
15. Mole with skin
16. Ovary (1 side <10cm)
17. Skin with tumour
Large complicated specimen HLS 1. Lipoma (>5cm)

2. Omentum (>5cm)
3. Simple mastectomy
4. Breast hook-wire with margin
5. Breast WLE (<5cm)
6. Cone biopsy/ LLETZ/LEEP
7. Excised tumour (>10cm)
8. Hemicolectomy specimen
9. Prostatic chips (>3cm)
10. Ovary (1 side >10cm)
11. Axillary tail
12. Axillary lymph node
13. Lymph node
14. Fibroid
15. Molar/ Ectopic pregnancy
16. Placenta
17. Total abdominal hysterectomy and
bilateral salphingoopherectomy
(TAHBSO), without lymph node
Radical specimen HRS 1. Laryngectomy

2. Pneumonectomy
3. Gastrectomy
4. Gut resection
5. Amputated limb (except for diabetes)
6. Total thyroidectomy
7. Total prostate
8. Bladder
9. Kidney
10. Breast WLE (>50mm)
11. Total colectomy
12. Ovarian mass
13. Femur

14. Total abdominal hysterectomy and

bilateral salphingoopherectomy
(TAHBSO), with lymph node
15. Radical neck dissection
16. Mastectomy with axillary clearance
17. Whipple’s
(pancreaticoduodenectomy)
18. Wertheim’s hysterectomy
19. Vulvectomy with lymphadenectomy
20. Any other radical dissections
requiring margins and lymph node
status
Immunofluorescence IF Renal/ Skin
Special stain SS1 Histochemical stain
Single Immunohistochemistry IHC 1 IHC marker/ antibody

(IHC) marker/ antibody
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) IHC Package of 3 IHC markers/ antibodies

Package ** Except for all IHC markers/ antibodies
under Category 2 & Special Category
Frozen Section FS Please call lab at least 3 working days in

(Non-Neuro Cases) advance to make appointment
** Only available in Klang Valley, Penang,
Ipoh, Melaka, Johor Bahru & Kota Kinabalu
2nd opinion H218 Second opinion by In-house pathologist
Photograph PHOTO Photograph of gross tissue specimen in

report
Slide BS Request for 2 unstained slides or 1 H&E-

stained slide
Tissue Block TBL Release request for 1-unit FFPE block
Note: Please contact histopathology lab for assistance.
MICROBIOLOGY GUIDELINES
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
• Whenever possible, specimens shall be collected before antibiotic therapy is commenced.
• Avoid contaminating the specimen. Maintain aseptic or sterile techniques.
• Specimens for bacterial culture should be representative of the disease process.
• Sufficient specimen must be collected to ensure an accurate examination.
• Transport specimens quickly to the laboratory to prevent desiccation of the specimen and death of the
microorganisms.
• Submit fluid specimens collected. Do not submit fluids on swabs.
• Patient’s recent antimicrobial therapy and brief clinical history shall be provided.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
• Specify specimen collection site in the test order to ensure optimal recovery of micro-organisms.
• Specimen for urine culture shall be sent to the laboratory immediately after collection. Otherwise, it
shall be refrigerated.

• CSF specimens shall be transported to the laboratory immediately after collection. Refrigeration is
strictly prohibited as fastidious bacteria do not withstand refrigeration.
Table 5: Specimen Collection, Handling and Rejection Criteria for Microbiology Specimens
Specimen Type Container and Storage and Precaution Rejection

Amount Transport Criteria
Abscess Sterile leak- Transport as Avoid sampling the surface Dry
proof container soon as area. (Aspirate, if possible or specimen in
- needle possible at pass a swab deep into the container
aspiration ambient lesion and firmly sample the
temperature. lesion’s advancing edge) Swab not in
Swab in Amies transport
- Drained transport media If > 24 hours, Remove surface exudates by medium
abscess refrigerate at 4 wiping with sterile saline Received
- Swab to 8°C before collection. >24 hours
after
collection
Skin scraping/ Sterile leak- Ambient Cleanse the area with sterile Specimen
Biopsy, Bone proof container temperature. saline. submitted in
or Tissue formalin.
If > 24 hours, For skin scrapping, scrape
refrigerate at 4 area at the active margin of
to 8°C the lesion. Do not draw
blood.
Submit specimen in sterile
Skin scrapping: container without formalin.
transport to the
laboratory in a Specimen may be kept moist
cardboard with 0.85% sterile saline
mailer.
Blood Culture Blood Culture Transport An aseptic technique is Broken blood
Bottle upright in a rack critical to proper blood culture
in transport box. culture collection. bottles.
Adult:
Ambient Refer to Appendix 7 Wrong
6-10 ml Aerobic temperature if container
blood culture able to reach Do not keep Blood culture
bottle and the lab within 24 bottles in the refrigerator.
8-10 ml hours. Use Aerobic Blood culture
Anaerobic bottles (6-10ml) for isolation
blood culture of yeast/ fungal.
bottle
Children or
infants:
1-4 ml Paeds
bottle
Faecal Clean, dry leak- at 4 to 8°C For rectal swab - pass the tip Leaking
Specimen or proof screw of a sterile swab specimens
Rectal Swab cap containers approximately one inch
beyond the anal sphincter. Insufficient
or Carefully rotate the swabs to specimen
Appropriate specimen the anal crypts for Dry rectal
bacteriology at least 10 seconds before swab or not
transport media withdrawing the swab. visibly
For bacterial isolation, need stained with
or faeces
to process within 1 to 2 days
Swab in Amies of collection.
transport media
(rectal swab)
5ml liquid
(a teaspoonful)

or 5g solid
(peanut sized)
Nail Clean, dry leak- Ambient Wipe nail with sterile saline. NA
proof screw temperature
cap containers Clip away the affected areas
and collect material under
the nail
Pernasal/ Swab in Ambient NA Swabs not in
transport temperature transport
nasopharynge medium medium
al Swab
Calcium
alginate swab
in transport
medium (for
pertussis)
Swab must be
fully immersed
in the transport
medium
Sputum Plain sterile Transport in Instruct patient to gargle or >25 epithelial

container sealed rinse mouth with water. cells/ Low
Bronchial container as power field.
Lavage (BAL) Sufficient soon as Instruct patient to cough
amount possible deeply to produce a Saliva,
Tracheal depending on specimen from the lower instead of
aspirate the number of Bacteria – respiratory tract and not sputum
Nasopharynge tests requested Ambient saliva.
al aspirate temperature.
If > 24 hours,
refrigerate at 4
to 8°C
Sterile Body Plain sterile Ambient Clinicians obtain specimen Insufficient
Fluids container temperature. via percutaneous needles specimen
aspiration or surgery.
If > 24 hours, Received
refrigerate at 4 Fluid specimens are >24 hours
Blood culture to 8°C preferable than swab after
bottles culture. collection
Sufficient
amount
depending on
the number of
tests requested
Wound swab / Swab with Ambient Disinfect surface of the Swab without
pus transport temperature. wound with sterile saline. transport
medium medium
If > 24 hours, If swab is used, obtain
Swab must be refrigerate at 4 specimen at the time of Received
fully immersed to 8°C incision or drainage of wound. >24 hours
in the transport after
Avoid sampling of the surface collection
medium area as it may contaminate
the specimen with flora not
involved in the infection.
Throat Swab Swab with Ambient Depress tongue with a sterile Swab without
transport temperature. tongue depressor. transport
medium medium
If > 24 hours, Specimen inflamed area,
Swab must be refrigerate at 4 exudates and/or lesions with Received
fully immersed to 8°C the suitable swab for the test. >24 hours


medium collection
Vaginal And Swab in Ambient Avoid collection from the Swab without
transport temperature. areas of normal flora. transport
Urethral Swab medium medium
If > 24 hours, Please notify if Neisseria
Swab must be refrigerate at 4 gonorrhoea is suspected. Received
fully immersed to 8°C >24 hours
medium collection
CSF Plain sterile Transport in Do not refrigerate Insufficient
bottle sealed specimen specimen
containers as
Minimum 0.5ml soon as
each in 3 possible.
different bottles
Bacteria –
Ambient
temperature.
If > 24 hours,
keep at 37ºC
(incubator)
Urine Clean, screw- Transport to Avoid overnight specimens. Insufficient
top specimen laboratory specimen
transport within 2-3 hours
container or store at 4 to >4 hours
8°C not more after
Minimum 1ml than 24 hours collection
and left at
room
temperature
>24 hours
after
collection if
refrigerated
sample
Urine from Clean, screw- Transport to Disinfect the catheter Foley
indwelling top specimen laboratory collection port with 70% catheter tips
catheter transport within 2-3 hours alcohol.
container or store at 4 to
Use a needle and syringe to
8°C not more
aseptically collect 5-10ml of
than 24 hours
urine.
Transfer the urine to a sterile
container
QuantiFERON® 1 ml for each Transport to Collect 1 ml blood for each Insufficient/
– TB Gold Plus tube collected laboratory QFT® blood collection tube overfill
in Nil control within 16 hour according blood tube specimen
(Grey), TB1 after collection. collection order (Grey-Green-
Received
antigen Yellow-Purple).
Room >16 hour
(Green), TB2
temperature Follow the black mark on the after
antigen (yellow)
side of the tube to ensure 1 collection
and Mitogen
ml fill volume.
control tubes
(purple).
Our routine Culture & Sensitivity of Bacterial Pathogen procedure identify and report the susceptibility
pattern of a wide range of organisms as the laboratory uses the state-of-the-art technology in bacterial
identification system.
Our routine Stool Culture procedure identifies and reports the susceptibility pattern of Salmonella,

Shigella and Vibrio, Aeromonas, Plesiomonas and Enteropathogenic E.coli.
NOTE: For others special request please indicate on the request form if least common
pathogens are sought or anaerobic culture is required.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY GUIDELINES
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS FOR REAL TIME PCR OR SEQUENCING
• Tissue should be fixed in formalin and not exposed to decalcification solution.

• The paraffin block should contain no less than 3 mm or at least 10% area of tumour.
• The laboratory accepts tissue sections. At least ten (10) paraffin sections are required for each
test and to be kept in a microcentrifuge tube or mount on unstained slides.
• One H&E slide should be provided.
• Block or slide/ tube should be properly labelled with a block ID that matches the surgical
pathology specimen number on the surgical pathology report.
• Block or slide/ tube should be sent at room temperature in proper storage containers (e.g., plastic
slide boxes) to protect them during transport/shipment.
• A surgical pathology report and completed request form must accompany all specimens.
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS FOR TISSUE FISH
• The recommended sample fixation for FISH is 6-48 hours in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin.
• The laboratory accepts tissue sections. The optimal thickness for all sections is 3-4μm. Please
clean microtome blade and water bath thoroughly before cutting sections to avoid cross-
contamination and false positive results.
• The first few sections should always be reserved for FISH testing. Sections should be mounted on
positively charged slides.
• Please label all slides clearly with AT LEAST TWO unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and
pathology number (Block ID).
• For paraffin sections, send five (5) slides per FISH test requested in a protected container
together with a completed request form, corresponding H&E slide with the relevant area marked
(even if 100% is tumour tissue) and your own Histopathology report.
• If you prefer to send FFPE block, this will need to be cut and the sections marked by a
histopathologist prior to testing.
Slides and blocks should be posted at room temperature packaged in a cushioned and sturdy outer
package. A fine absorbent pad should be used to protect tissue face of the paraffin block from
damage during transportation.
WHOLE BLOOD FOR LIQUID BIOPSY (Refer Appendix 8)
• Whole blood in two (2) 10 mL Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA) BCT Tubes provided or please contact
Pantai Premier Pathology at +603 2280 0187 ext. 171/173 for further information. (TUBES MUST
BE IDENTIFIED WITH THE SAME NUMBER AS THAT REGISTERED IN THE ATTACHED
REQUEST FORM AND MUST BE SENT TO THE LAB AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AT AMBIENT
TEMPERATURE) After collection, immediately and gently invert the tubes 10 times. Inadequate or
delayed in mixing may result in inaccurate test result.
• After 10 times inverted, store at room temperature (2°C to 30°C).
• Specimen must be reached at RSL, Pantai Premier Pathology Sdn Bhd. Within 3 days.
• Please contact Pantai Premier Pathology Sdn Bhd. for collection of specimens.
MOLECULAR INFECTIOUS DISEASE GUIDELINES
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
• Avoid contaminating the specimen.
• Sufficient specimen must be collected to ensure an accurate examination.
• Transport specimens quickly to the laboratory with ice packs (except for CSF).

• Indicate anatomical collection site of the specimen and clinical diagnosis in the requested form.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
• CSF specimens shall be transported to the laboratory immediately after collection. Refrigeration is
strictly prohibited.
Storage and Rejection

Specimen Type Container Precaution
Transport Criteria
Nasal/Nasopharyngeal
Viral Transport
/Throat/ 2°C-8°C
Medium (VTM) NA NA
Oropharyngeal Swab
Sputum, Urine, and Sterile Leak-Proof Ensure to collect

2°C-8°C 1st void urine Salivary sample
other body fluid Container
(except CSF)
Refrigerate
serum/plasma at
2°C-8°C for 3
Plain Serum/EDTA 2x Plain Tube/EDTA
days. Freeze
Plasma Tube
serum/plasma in -
20°C or cooler if NA Lysed specimen
more than 3 days
Sterile Leak-Proof
Fresh tissue 2°C-8°C NA NA
Container
Sterile Leak-Proof Ensure to collect NA

Urine 2°C-8°C
Container 1st void urine
Urethral/ Vaginal/
Endocervical / Avoid collection NA
Dry/Cotton Swab 2°C-8°C
Cervical/ Penile swab from the areas
of normal flora.
Thinprep, Surepath
Liquid Base Cytology 2°C-8°C NA NA
or Pathtezt
Avoid high NA
Room
FFPE Block/Cell temperature
Block Container temperature
Block/FNAC/EUSFNA during
transportation
Sterile Leak-Proof Room Do not NA

CSF
Container temperature refrigerate
CYTOGENETICS GUIDELINES
PERIPHERAL BLOOD (KARYOTYPE)
• Proper specimen collection and sterile handling are critical for cytogenetic studies.
• Draw 5-10 mL (paediatric: 2-5 mL) peripheral blood in a green-top (sodium heparin) collection

tube.
• Collection containers must be closed tightly to prevent leakage of sample during transportation to
the laboratory.
• Label specimen tube with patient’s name and a second identifier (ex: DOB, MRN).
• All requests should be accompanied with the request form signed by the respective medical
officers / consultants.
• The REFERRAL REASON(S) for the test (compulsory requirement). A history and/or intended
purpose of the investigation allows us to select the exact culture regime or mode of analysis most
appropriate for the clinical scenario.
• The culture procedures were made everyday afternoon (except Sunday & Public Holiday) at about
5 pm (usually). Any changes of culture time need to adjust timing for thymidine and harvest
process.
• Specimens should be received by the laboratory as soon as possible (ideally within 24 hours). It is
generally recommended that specimens be maintained at ambient temperature during transit.
Extreme temperatures should be avoided. Never freeze, add fixative or preservative.
• If it is not possible to process samples as soon as they arrive, they should be stored at 4°C.
However, since delays affect quality, cultures should be initiated as soon as possible.
• Only the specimen collect with sodium heparin media will attempted for cytogenetic studies.
• Specimens that are clotted, haemolysed and/or added in wrong anticoagulant tube will be rejected
and informed to the ward or clinic immediately.
• Suboptimal specimens;
- In blood, which is partially clotted, particularly haemolysed, or in which the log time before
receipt by laboratory of sample is more than 24 hours, studies may be attempted,
although are considered suboptimal specimens and are less likely to be successful.
- Metaphase spreads may obtain from the sample collected in lithium heparin; however,
sodium heparin is preferred since lithium heparin may cause toxicity to cells.
• Do not use expired collection containers or transport media for specimen collection.
BONE MARROW (KARYOTYPING)
• Proper specimen collection and sterile handling are critical for cytogenetic studies.
• Aspirate 1-5 mLs of a first draw of bone marrow aspirate into a sodium heparin tube and mix well
to prevent clotting.
• Collection containers must be closed tightly to prevent leakage of sample during transportation to
the laboratory.
• Label specimen tube with patient’s name and a second identifier (ex: DOB, MRN).
• All requests should be accompanied with the request form signed by the respective medical
officers / consultants.
• The REFERRAL REASON(S) for the test (compulsory requirement). A history and/or intended
purpose of the investigation allows us to select the exact culture regime or mode of analysis most
appropriate for the clinical scenario.
• The culture procedures were made everyday afternoon (except Sunday & Public Holiday) at about
5 pm (usually). Any changes of culture time need to adjust timing for blocking, releasing and
harvest process.
• Specimens should be received by the laboratory as soon as possible (ideally within 24 hours). It is
generally recommended that specimens be maintained at ambient temperature during transit.
Extreme temperatures should be avoided. Never freeze, add fixative or preservative.
• If it is not possible to process samples as soon as they arrive, they should be stored at 4°C.
However, since delays affect quality, cultures should be initiated as soon as possible.
• Only the specimen collect with sodium heparin media will attempted for cytogenetic studies.
• Specimens that are clotted, haemolysed and/or added in wrong anticoagulant tube will be rejected
and informed to the ward or clinic immediately.
• Suboptimal specimens;
- In bone marrow, which is partially clotted, particularly haemolysed, or in which the log
time before receipt by laboratory of sample is more than 24 hours, studies may be
attempted, although are considered suboptimal specimens and are less likely to be
successful.
- Metaphase spreads may obtain from the sample collected in lithium heparin; however,

sodium heparin is preferred since lithium heparin may cause toxicity to cells.
• Do not use expired collection containers or transport media for specimen collection.
FLUORESCENCE IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION (FISH)
• If FISH is done in conjunction with chromosome analysis, no additional specimen is required.

• Requirement for type of specimen to be sent:
- 3ml bone marrow or peripheral blood in sodium heparin tube (green top). (Only FISH test is
requested).
- Label specimen tube with patient’s name and a second identifier (ex: DOB, MRN).
- Maintain at room temperature and transport to the Lab as soon as possible.
- These studies may also be performed on paraffin embedded tissue.
RESULTS REPORTING
REPORTING OF LABORATORY RESULTS
• Quantitative results will be reported together with reference ranges.
• Comments will be included for all results with poor specimen quality that may interfere with the
accuracy of the testing.
• Preliminary reports which are crucial to patient management will be issued to requesting clinician.
• Completed reports will be delivered or printed to the requesting clinician and not to patient.
• All laboratory personnel are strictly adhering to Personal Data Protection Act and code of ethics of
private and confidentiality of result.
REPORTS FROM THE EXTERNAL REFERRAL LABORATORIES

The laboratory is responsible to channel the entire original report from the outsource referral laboratory
to the requesting clinician without alteration. Reference will be made to any work that referred to a
referral laboratory or consultant.
If transcription is required, the transcribed results shall be legible without mistake and verified by key
personnel.
URGENT RESULTS
Urgent results will be reported to the requesting doctor via fax/phone provided the fax/phone number is
provided on the request form. However, faxing of urgent reports are recommended instead of verbal
reports to ensure the accuracy of results conveyed.
TURNAROUND TIME
Laboratory reports are usually completed within 24hours upon receipt of the specimen except for the
tests that are outsourced, requires long period of incubation (e.g., Bacteria culture), run in batches and
involved clinical interpretation (e.g., Histopathology, Molecular and Cytopathology)
Occasionally, the laboratory may not be able to meet the defined turnaround time for test that are
routinely performed in-house e.g., equipment breakdown, LIS/Server down or where the second opinion
required. If there is a delay in reporting results which may compromise patient care, lab will notify
affected requesting doctor/client accordingly.
Further inquiries regarding Turnaround Time, can be made by calling respective Pantai Premier
Pathology Branch and/marketing personnel.
CRITICAL / PANIC VALUES

Critical or panic values are life threatening results that indicates an imminent life-threatening condition
whereby therapy of immediate actions is required promptly.
Test results which fall within the critical value will be informed to the requesting doctor with record
maintained. The doctor shall read back the patient’s identity and critical value informed before the end
of the conversation as a precautionary step to ensure correct information had been conveyed and
received.

Table 6: Critical Values
CHEMISTRY Critical Low Critical High Units
Sodium ≤ 125 ≥ 155 mmol/L
Potassium ≤ 2.8 ≥ 6.0 mmol/L

(> 18 years old)
Bilirubin None ≥ 400 µmol/L

(1 Month to 18 years old)
≥ 256
(PHSP & PHLM)
(< 1 month) None ≥ 400
≥ 256
(PHSP & PHLM,
GKK)
≥ 300
(PHM)
Glucose
(> 18 years old) ≤ 2.8 ≥ 20.0 mmol/L
(1 month to 18 years old, CSF) ≤ 1.6 None mmol/L
Adjusted Calcium
(> 18 years old) ≤ 1.5 ≥ 3.00 mmol/L
(1 month to 18 years old) ≤1.7 ≥ 3.10 mmol/L
Phosphate
(> 18 years old) ≤ 0.32 ≥ 2.87 mmol/L
(1 month to 18 years old) ≤ 0.40 ≥ 2.80 mmol/L
Magnesium
(> 18 years old) ≤ 0.4 ≥ 2.00 mmol/L
(1 month to 18 years old) ≤ 0.5 ≥ 1.8 mmol/L
Creatinine Kinase (CK) None ≥ 600 IU/L
Troponin T None > 50 ng/L
Troponin I None > 0.07 mg/ml
Creatinine
(1 month to 18 years old) None ≥ 330 µmol/L
Urea
(1 month to 18 years old) None ≥ 19.0 mmol/L
≥ 10.0
(PHM)

Uric Acid
(1 month to 18 years old) None ≥ 0.50 mmol/L
HAEMATOLOGY Critical Low Critical High Units
Haemoglobin
(> 18 years old) ≤ 7.0 ≥ 20.0 g/dL
< 8.0
(PHM)
(1 month to 18 years old) ≤ 7.0 ≥ 20.0 g/dL
< 8.0
(PHM)
(< 1 month old) ≤ 8.0 ≥ 22.0 g/dL
≤ 10.0
(PHM)
Total White Cell (WBC)

(1 month to 18 years old) ≤ 2.0 ≥ 50.0 109 /L
Platelets
(> 18 years old) ≤ 20 ≥ 1000 109 /L
≤ 50
(PHBP)
(1month to 18 years old) ≤ 50 ≥ 1000 109 /L

(PHBP)
≤ 100
(PHM)
< 50
(GKK)
(Paeds & neonate)
Fibrinogen
(> 18 years old) ≤1 None g/L
(1 month to 18 years old) ≤ 0.7 None g/L
Prothrombin Time (PT) None ≥ 40.0 seconds
Activated Partial None ≥ 80.0 seconds

Thromboplastin Time (APTT)
Malarial Parasite None Seen Not Applicable
Limits must be referred to Clinical Pathologist for the presence of blast cells, plasma cells,
indefinable cells, morphologically abnormal white cells, morphologically abnormal platelets:

(In the absence of Clinical Pathologist, the section leader or laboratory manager must verify the
slides)
IMUNOLOGY/SEROLOGY
Anti-HIV 1 & II All Reactive
Influenza A & B rapid test Influenza A positive
BACTERIOLOGY
Blood Culture Positive Gram stain/Culture
Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) Positive AFB stain/Culture
Sterile Body Fluids Positive Gram stain/ Bacterial Antigen detection/ Culture
(Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF),
Pleural Fluid, Peritoneal fluid,
and Pericardial fluid)
CSF bacteria antigen detection Positive
High Alert Organisms Extended-spectrum Beta Lactamase Producer (ESBL)

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Multi-drug Resistant Organisms (MDRO)
Vancomycin -Resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
Vancomycin- Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA)
Salmonella typhi
Vibrio cholerae
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Leptospira
Histoplasma
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Neisseria meningitidis
Burkholderia pseudomallei
BLOOD BANK
Direct Coombs Positive
Indirect Coombs Positive
Crossmatch Incompatible
(Especially after the release of un-crossmatched blood or
emergency crossmatched blood.)
CYTOPATHOLOGY
Gynaecology All cases reported as:
High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL)
High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) with
suspicious of invasion
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Atypical Glandular Cell-Non-otherwise specified (AGC-NOS)
Atypical Glandular Cell (AGC) favour neoplastic
Adenocarcinoma in-situ (AIS)

Adenocarcinoma are categorized as critical results.

Non-gynae (body fluid) and Unexpected malignancy
Fine Needle Aspiration
(FNA)
HISTOPATHOLOGY
Malignancy in an uncommon / Unexpected or discrepant findings:
unexpected location or a) Significant disagreement between frozen section and
specimen type final diagnosis.
b) Significant disagreement of tumour diagnosis with
clinical diagnosis.
c) Significant disagreement and / or change between
diagnosis of primary pathologist and outside pathologist
consultant.
d) Mycobacterial, fungal, or other significant infectious
organism identified on special stain.
e) Significant disagreement between biopsy and surgical
specimen diagnosis by same pathologist.
MOLECULAR INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Zika Positive
Mycobacterium TB PCR Positive
Neisseria gonorrhoeae Positve

Appendix 1


Appendix 2

Appendix 3

Appendix 4

Appendix 5

Appendix 6

Appendix 7




Appendix 8

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Pantai Premier Pathology: Laboratory Service Guide

Version 1.04 Effective Date: 1st October 2022 Page 2 of 44

Cytopathology Guidelines ..................................................................................................................17

Version 1.04 Effective Date: 1st October 2022 Page 3 of 44

We provide quality laboratory services in the following disciplines:

Version 1.04 Effective Date: 1st October 2022 Page 4 of 44

Visit our website for more detail:

For pathologist advisory services kindly contact the respective laboratories.

OPERATION HOURS, LOCATION AND CONTACT NUMBERS

Corporate Office Customer Service Hotline

Table 1: Operation Hours, Location and Contact Numbers

Version 1.04 Effective Date: 1st October 2022 Page 5 of 44

Klang Off-site, Selangor 03-33701315 03-33701329 Mon - Fri : 9am - 5pm

Laguna Merbok, +604 441 0722 - Sun - Thu : 8.30am - 5pm

Penang 04-646 5505 04-646 6606 Mon - Fri : 8.30am - 5pm

Gleneagles Penang 04-2200838 / 04-2106006 Mon - Fri : 9am - 5.30pm

Ipoh 05-548 1279 05-548 8044 Mon - Fri : 8.30am - 5pm

Version 1.04 Effective Date: 1st October 2022 Page 6 of 44

Manjung 05-688 6608 05-688 8058 Mon - Fri : 8.30am - 5pm

Muar 06-951 6095 06-951 6139 Mon - Fri : 9am - 5.30pm

Batu Pahat 07-4328855 07-4325885 Sun - Thu : 8.30am - 5pm

Gleneagles Medini 07-5601042 07-5601050 Mon - Fri : 8.30 am – 5pm

Kerteh 09-826 2187 09-826 1730 Sun - Thu : 8.30am - 5.30pm

Kuantan 09-513 0886 09-513 0885 Mon - Fri : 9am - 5.30pm

Version 1.04 Effective Date: 1st October 2022 Page 7 of 44

Kuala Terengganu 09-6221241 - Sun - Thu : 8.30am - 5.30pm

Miri 085-613581 085-613581 Mon - Fri : 9am – 5.30pm

Kinta Medical Centre 05-2531122 05-2535122 Mon – Fri : 8.30am - 5pm

Pengerang 07-8244881 07-8244882 Mon - Fri : 9am – 5.30pm

24 HOURS EMERGENCY SERVICES

OUTPATIENT PHLEBOTOMY SERVICES

Version 1.04 Effective Date: 1st October 2022 Page 8 of 44

SPECIMENS PICK UP SERVICES

• Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.30 pm

The collection of supply is strictly during normal office hours only.

PRICING & PAYMENT POLICY

FEEDBACK AND SUGGESTIONS

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• Date & time of specimen collection

TYPE OF REQUEST FORMS

SPECIMENS COLLECTION AND HANDLING

Version 1.04 Effective Date: 1st October 2022 Page 10 of 44

TYPES OF CONTAINERS AND ANTICOAGULANT

Name Cap Type of Testing

Refer to Appendix 1: BD Tube Guide and BD Microtainer Tube Guide

ORDER OF DRAW FOR BLOOD SPECIMENS

1. Blood culture tubes (applying full aseptic technique)

Version 1.04 Effective Date: 1st October 2022 Page 11 of 44

GENERAL PRINCIPLES IN HANDLING LABORATORY SPECIMENS

PACKING & STORAGE OF SPECIMENS

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GENERAL SPECIMEN STORAGE

Version 1.04 Effective Date: 1st October 2022 Page 13 of 44

Specimen Request Form fax/send to the referring party.

COLLECTING A CLEAN CATCH URINE

COLLECTING 24 HOUR URINE

Version 1.04 Effective Date: 1st October 2022 Page 14 of 44

7. Include the last urine specimen in the total collection.