HSL Special Coagulation: Preparing patients

It is essential that the person responsible for preparing the patient and collecting the specimen ensures that they check the requisition form for the requested tests and:

• Explains the reason for the specimen being taken.
• Correctly determines the identity of the patient prior to collection by asking the patient to verbally provide their name and date of birth and confirm this by checking their details on the request form or their wristband as appropriate.
• Checks the patient meets particular conditions prior to sample collection such as:
• Pre-determined times or at timed intervals
• Cessation of medication
• Obtaining consent from the patient. Note: Patients presenting themselves with a request form at the point of sample collection or providing a sample themselves to their healthcare provider will be viewed as providing implied consent.
• Assembling the specimen collection bottles and supplies – e.g., sharps bin, needles, cotton wool and alcohol swab gloves etc. – needed to carry out the procedure within safe and easy reach.
• Wearing gloves, collecting the specimen and labelling the specimen container.
• Packaging and transporting the specimen containers following the appropriate guidelines for specimen collection.