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 (revised April 6, 2006) 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 (CAP GEN.40491). The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) 2006 Patient Safety Goals requires two identifiers to label collection containers in the presence of the patient, a process established to maintain identity throughout the preanalytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes (JCAHO Goal 1A).

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 an amber color that is required for light-sensitive tests, and metalfree tubes for trace element testing. 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 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. Do not use them for infectious disease tests requiring sterile transport.

Containers that may be accepted, but should be avoided:

  • Glass tubes for refrigerated and ambient specimens
  • Tubes from an automated aliquot system with a “pop top” type of cap, unless accompanied by the appropriate ARUP transport rack lid
  • Syringes (where required) that are plastic and have a Luer Lock fitting which secures the cap. The syringe should be enclosed in two plastic bags and placed in a small cardboard box or plastic jar with a screw cap to protect the plunger from accidental pushing. No needles should be attached.
  • Client-specific containers

Unacceptable Containers/Conditions:

  • Glass tubes, unless otherwise specified
  • Leaking specimens
  • Syringes with needles attached
  • Transport tubes secured with parafilm
  • Specimens received in expired transport containers or media
  • Serum and plasma separator devices (SST and PST). When a separator tube is used for collection, promptly centrifuge the specimen and pour the serum or plasma into an ARUP Standard Transport Tube before shipping to ARUP, unless otherwise specified. Numerous tests prohibit the use of specimens collected in tubes containing gels. If prohibited, the information will appear for the test entry under Remarks or Unacceptable Conditions.
  • Infectious disease isolates submitted on agar plates

Transport Racks

ARUP Ten Hole RackARUP Laboratories provides specimen tube racks for the separation of specimens and plastic bags with absorbent material. Two 10 hole tube racks may be placed in the color-coded bags. Larger transport options are available; contact your Business Development Manager. All specimens must be in leak-resistant primary containers (transport tubes), and must be placed in leak-resistant secondary containers (colorcoded 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 pressurized specimen containers). Tube racks must be marked with the correct holding and transport temperature and placed in the temperature-specific, colorcoded 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 specimens must be individually wrapped in a specimen bag or with absorbent material. Rack lids are available through Client Services if using pop-top lids.

Specimen Bags

ARUP 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.

Note: 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. Call (800) 522-2787 and a Client Service representative will assist in determining the appropriate form needed.

  • 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.
  • Use a black pen, as ARUP will scan the request form for image retrieval.
  • Complete the information requested at the top of the form.
  • 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
The Anatomic Pathology and Cytology Laboratories require a specific, manual test request form for each specimen submitted. Contact ARUP Client Services to request forms.

Instructions for Clients Using Interfaces or ARU P 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.