Specimen Collection & Transport
Ordering
Creating a new order requires following a series of common steps.
Additional steps may be required when ICD-10 coding. Specific information, including patient details, must be included with all ordered tests.
If you have questions about testing, specimens, or results, please contact Client Services.
Specimen Collection & Transport
Interfaced Orders
For clients with a direct order entry interface:
1. Place a test order according to your organization’s established procedure.
2. Confirm that each specimen container is labeled with:
- Patient’s full first & last name
- Date of birth
- Specimen type
- Collection date & time
3. Generate a specimen manifest.
4. Match the specimens on the manifest with the containers being prepared for transport.
5. Ensure that each specimen’s transport temperature requirements are met and are indicated on the specimen bag(s).
Atlas / eLab Community Orders
For clients with Atlas / eLab Community access:
1. Place orders within an established interface or Atlas e-Lab Community.
Note: e-Lab Community requires Internet Explorer. Please also turn off any pop-up blockers.
2. Confirm that each specimen container is labeled with:
- Patient’s full first & last name
- Date of birth
- Specimen type
- Collection date & time
3. Generate a specimen manifest.
4. Match the specimens on the manifest with the containers being prepared for transport.
5. Ensure that each specimen’s transport temperature requirements are met and are indicated on the specimen bag(s).
Manual Orders
For non-interfaced clients utilizing paper requisitions:
1. Download the appropriate test requisition.
Order hard copies from the Supply Storefront.
2. Fill out each section completely.
3. Select the desired tests.
Note: In some cases, multiple tests may be selected to be performed on one specimen. Refer to the Test Directory for more information or contact Client Services.
4. Confirm that the specimen container and test requisition are labeled with:
- Patient’s full first & last name
- Date of birth
- Specimen type
- Collection date & time
5. Ensure that each specimen’s transport temperature requirements are met and are indicated on the specimen bag(s).
6. Scan or copy the test requisition to keep for your organization’s records.