Submitting Samples

If you have been asked to submit a sample, please follow the steps below to ensure your test is able to be carried out efficiently and accurately.

• We can only accept samples if they are in the correct bottles issued by the Practice. Bottles can be collected from the Reception team and are available at 17 and 200 Osborne Road.
• We can no longer transfer a sample from a different container into the correct bottle. Doing so risks contaminating the sample, which can lead to additional tests being needed at the laboratory, causing avoidable delays.
• The sample bottle must have the patient’s full name and date of birth clearly labelled on it.
• An accompanying form must also be completed in full for the sample to be processed. We cannot begin to process samples if any information is missing from the form.
• Samples must be received no later than 3.30 pm. Samples brought in after this time cannot be accepted as they cannot be stored overnight. The only exception is if a GP has clearly documented they will deal with the samples themselves that day.

Thank you for your understanding.