Labeling Instructions

Proper specimen identification is critical to ensuring patient safety and testing accuracy. All specimens require an affixed Ascend specimen barcode label to be received and tested in the laboratory.

This barcode label represents Ascend’s test requisition that is required to associate information such as patient identification, facility information, ordering physician, tests and date of collection for patient safety, patient test reporting and billing accuracy. Laboratories are required to comply with Federal CLIA regulations, 42 CFR 493.1240-1242, 1249, regarding preanalytic systems; test requests; specimen submission, handling and referrals; and quality assessments standards.

In addition, Dialysis Centers are required to comply with CMS regulation, 42 CFR 494.130, regarding laboratory services and follow all specimen collection and labeling instructions provided by the testing laboratory.  Improper labeling of specimens is a patient care risk that can cause reporting of incorrect patient results and/or billing of tests. Improperly prepared specimens that require a manual resolution will be assessed a nominal fee.

 

Proper Label Placement

  1. Check to make sure the patient’s name/source name and collection date are correct on the barcode label
  2. Securely place the label on the defined specimen tube/container
    • Patient/source name oriented closest to the cap
    • The label is flat and smooth
    • Window view to the specimen
    • Nominal fill range or fill line is visible
    • Culture Bottles: Barcode label does not cover the culture bottle barcode and the expiration date is still in view
  3. Reschedule tests in LabCheck, print new labels, and relabel specimens if the collection date is incorrect.