Laboratory Test Directory

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Specimen Preparation & Test Requesting

Specimen Labeling

All specimens submitted to ARUP for testing must be appropriately labeled.* This requirement assures positive identification and optimum integrity of patient specimens from the time of collection until testing is completed and results reported. Clients will be notified of inappropriately labeled specimens, which will be returned to the client upon request.

*The College of American Pathologists (CAP) Laboratory General Checklist requires that all specimens must be labeled at the time of collection to provide unique identification. Ideally, a name-number system is desirable so that there are at least two separate identifying items on each sample. The Patient Safety Goals of Joint Commission requires two identifiers to label collection containers in the presence of the patient, a process established to maintain identity throughout the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes.

ARUP's Standard Transport Tubes

ARUP requires use of the Standard Transport Tube for specimen submission. These containers have been evaluated by ARUP and are not known to cause analytical interference in the associated assays.

The ARUP Standard Transport tube is also available in the following variations:

• amber color (required for light-sensitive tests)
• metal-free for trace element testing
• sterile tubes for microbiology

All ARUP Standard Transport tubes meet Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for the transport of specimens.

Please note the following:

• The tube has graduated markings up to 4 mL, with a capacity of 4.5 mL. To reach capacity, fill the tube to the ring at the base of the threaded top.
• When submitting frozen specimens, it is critical to leave an air space at the top of the tube to allow for expansion and to prevent leakage. For this reason, liquid should never exceed 4.5 mL.
• A separate tube must be submitted for each panel or test ordered on the same patient, especially for tests requiring frozen specimens. For urine tests, submit at least two full tubes.
• The tube’s threaded cap provides a leak-proof seal when screwed on properly. It is not a push-on cap.
• The label must be adhered as pictured above. Hold the tube in your left hand and place the label lengthwise.
• Do not use parafilm.
• ARUP’s Standard Transport Tubes are not sterile. Sterile tubes are available for infectious disease tests requiring sterile transport.

Transport Racks

ARUP Laboratories provides specimen tube racks for the separation of specimens and plastic bags with absorbent material for transport. Two 10-hole tube racks may be placed in the color-coded bags. Larger transport options are available. Contact your Business Development Manager for more information. All specimens must be in leak-resistant primary containers (transport tubes) and must be placed in leak-resistant secondary containers (color-coded specimen bags). Couriers are prohibited from picking up specimens that are leaking or are not in secondary containers (i.e., ARUP color-coded specimen bags or pressure vessels). Tube racks must be marked with the correct holding and transport temperature and placed in the temperature-specific, color-coded bags. Clients are responsible for packing specimens in the appropriate color-coded specimen bags. Tube racks meet the DOT requirement to keep fragile specimen containers from contact with one another. Alternatively, fragile or infectious specimens must be individually wrapped in a specimen bag with absorbent material. Rack lids are available through Client Services if using pop-top lids.

Specimen Bags

ARUP specimen bags are bar coded and color-coded in order to assist with the tracking and handling of specimens. Each bag has a perforated receipt, as well as a central information section. Clients must complete the central information section (e.g., date, client number, and specimen count). If the specimen count is not indicated on the bag, ARUP cannot be responsible for tracking missing or lost specimens. The specimen count and the date should be entered on the perforated receipt and attached to the client’s copy of the packing list or logging system for easy, accurate reference.

Caution: Be sure to tighten caps on tubes and close bags securely.

If submitting more than one specimen per patient, and specimens need to be stored and transported at different temperatures, use separate bags and test request forms or packing lists for each temperature type.

Instructions for Test Requesting

Instructions for Clients Using Manual Test Request Forms

Manual test request forms are available through ARUP Client Services.

• Use a separate container/tube and test request form for each test ordered on the same patient, especially for frozen specimens. ARUP may be unable to process specimens that are not in separate containers.
• When a test order requires submitting multiple specimens at different temperatures, a stamp is provided (Supply #45318) to alert ARUP Specimen Processing. Use separate bags and test request forms/packing lists for each temperature type. Use the stamp next to the applicable test on ALL test request forms/packing lists and circle the transport temperature for the additional specimens.
• Complete the information requested at the top of the form. Use a black pen, as ARUP will scan the request form for image retrieval.
• Mark an ‘x’ in the box indicating the test(s) requested. Record number of specimens submitted and total number of tests ordered on the test request form in the lower left corner. If there is no box for a test you are requesting, write the test number and the complete test name in the “Other Tests Ordered” box.
• Legibly write patient’s first and last name with a unique identifier and specimen type or source on the specimen container.
• Keep bottom copy of form for your records and retain bag identification tear-off strip.

Manual Test Request Form Required

ARUP’s Anatomic Pathology and Cytology Laboratories require a specific, manual test request form for each specimen submitted. Contact ARUP Client Services to request forms.

Note: To discourage test ordering by unauthorized laboratory personnel, ARUP suggests that test request forms be kept in a safe and secure place. It is the responsibility of each laboratory to maintain control of order forms.

Instructions for Clients Using Interfaces or ARUP System 2000®

• Generate a specimen packing list. A client number must appear on the packing list.
• Legibly write patient’s first and last name with a unique identifier and specimen type or source on the specimen container. If using ARUP System 2000®, adhere the printed label to the specimen.
• Match specimens to entries on the packing list to ensure there is a specimen for each test ordered and for each temperature requirement.
• When a test order requires submitting multiple specimens at different temperatures, a stamp is provided (Supply #45318) to alert ARUP Specimen Processing. Use separate bags and test request forms/packing lists for each temperature type. Use the stamp next to the applicable test on ALL test request forms/packing lists and circle the transport temperature for the additional specimens.

Supply orders

ARUP provides specialty vacutainers, containers, and forms for the collection and transport of select laboratory specimens. Specialty vacutainers that may be ordered are: Hemogard, Yellow (ACD Sol. A or B), Royal Blue (EDTA), Royal Blue (Plain, Metal Free), SPS for Microbiology, Hemogard Tan (K2EDTA), FDP, and Urine C & S Preservative. Additionally, ARUP provides test-specific collection and transport kits when required. Clients can view a client supply order form on the Client Supply page. Supplies be ordered electronically using eSupply, or clients may contact a Client Service representative to place orders.