Specimen handling & Safety Instructions

To insure the most rapid turn-around times and to preserve the integrity of the specimen, please follow the guidelines listed below. Please call Client Services if you have any questions regarding test ordering, specimen requirements, or supplies listed below.

Packaging Specimens

Specimen packaging should ideally include the following:

·         Watertight specimen vials or plastic containers

·         Thermocole / styrofoam vial container preferably secured with tape

·         Plastic bag with slot for requisition form

·         Sturdy outside packaging constructed of corrugated fiberboard (cardboard), wood, metal or plastic

·         Place up to 5 specimen vials (tubes) into the styrofoam / Thermocole container (preferably secure the styrofoam container with a strip of tape) and place in the plastic bag. Fold Lifecare Test Requisition Form

The above are provided free of cost to contracted Lifecare clients. Please contact our Client Services department to ensure you have adequate stocks of specimen packaging material.

Packing and Courier Instructions

·         Complete the Lifecare Test Requisition Form. Use Test Code number specified alongside the test name.

·         Please package specimen tubes and vials in the styrofoam / Thermocole tube holder provided. Close and secure with tape the holder for transport. Place in the plastic specimen bag.

·         Fold Lifecare Test Requisition Form so the patient name appears on the outside and insert the requisition in the outside pouch of the plastic bag. Lifecare’s Test Requisition Form must include: Patient name or identification number, number of samples per patient and temperature requirements of each sample.

·         Affix a "FROZEN" label if specimen is to be kept frozen.

·         Mark each bag for temperature during transport (frozen, cold [2-6 degrees C], or ambient).

·         If a test requires multiple samples with multiple temperature requirements (for example, one frozen and one sample at room temperature), make a note on Lifecare’s Test Requisition Form, indicating that the other specimen was sent under separate cover. Make a copy of the requisition; include one copy of the requisition with each sample. Alternatively, it may be possible to dispatch all samples (such as serum and plasma) frozen. Please contact Lifecare  enquiry desk if you have any questions regarding specimen requirements.

·         Contracted clients of Lifecare can avail of courier specimen pick up services on a daily basis, or at a frequency desired by the client from Monday through Saturday.

·         Clients not currently contracted with Lifecare may contact our Enquiry desk for assistance with specimen pick ups.

·         Please maintain a log of specimens submitted or a photocopy of Lifecare Test Requisition Form for appropriate recording of samples submitted.

Each tube or other container should be labeled as follows:

·         Patient name

·         Sending Lab's / Doctor's Specimen Identification

·         Type of Specimen

·         Temperature requirement of specimen

·         Name of Sending Lab

Test Requisitions

·         Lifecare provides requisite Forms (order slips) for your convenience. Please call Client Services to set up a contract or to order Lifecare Test Requisition Forms.

·         Please write clearly when completing the forms for each patient. Always include the patient's name, sex and date of birth. Check off or write in the tests being ordered.

·         Please call Client Services if you have any questions regarding test ordering. If the evaluation requires different specimens at different temperatures, make a photocopy of the test requisition form to accompany each specimen and indicate that the other specimen is under separate cover.

·         Do not send specimens to Lifecare without an accompanying  Test Requisition Form.

Pick-up facility

Lifecare has arranged  Door-to-door -step pick-up facility  in several  locations.

Increasing the number of serviced locations is a continuous process; for assistance in regard to an updated list please contact enquiry desk at lifecare.

Lifecare Medical Center

1st Floor, Sunshine,

oppo. Shastri Nagar

Andheri (W), Mumbai 400053

26332527, 26331489