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Common Collection Errors

 Blood Collection (Venous)

  • Drawing less than 5 ml per vial.

  • Not inverting the vial 8–10 times after collection.

  • Incorrect processing of the sample (centrifuged incorrectly or not at all if required).

  • Transferring too little serum to the aliquot tube (less than 2 ml).

  • Tube not labelled correctly with full name, date of birth, and collection date. Clients are responsible for labelling their samples correctly—check your instructions for any additional recommendations.

  • Delaying shipment – If a centrifuge isn’t used, the sample must reach the lab within 24 hours.

  • Not sharing instructions with your phlebotomist, which can lead to improper handling.

 Finger-Prick Blood Collection

  • Not filling the blood card circles completely – Each circle must be fully saturated from front to back. Too little blood can make the sample unusable.

  • Using the wrong part of the finger – Always use a fleshy fingertip.

  • Not wiping away the first drop – The first drop may contain tissue fluid that can affect results.

  • Not encouraging enough blood flow – Gently massage the finger (avoiding the tip) to produce a large drop.

  • Using too few lancets or only one finger – Sometimes additional lancets on another finger are needed.

  • Blood card contamination – Avoid touching the card with fingers, surfaces, or clothing.

  • Delaying shipment – Finger-prick blood is time-sensitive. Post your sample on the same day as collection whenever possible.

 Hair Collection

  • Collecting from the wrong area – Hair should be taken from the back of the head.

  • Keeping too little or too much hair – The scale should tip, collecting about 0.25 g (roughly a tablespoon).

  • Cutting hair longer than 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the scalp.

  • Not collecting from 5–6 different areas – Small samples from multiple areas are needed.

  • Hair lost or misplaced during packaging – Make sure the sample is securely placed in the bag provided.

 Urine Collection

  • Not collecting the correct amount of urine – Follow the instructions in your kit carefully.

  • Sample not labelled correctly – Include full name, date of birth, and collection date at a minimum. Clients are responsible for accurate labelling.

  • Contamination of the sample – Avoid touching the inside of the container or lid.

  • Delaying shipment – Send your sample as instructed to avoid degradation.

Stool Collection

  • Not filling the vial to the fill line – The stool sample must reach the fill level indicated on the side of the vial. Insufficient sample may result in rejection.

  • Sample not labelled correctly – Include full name, date of birth, and collection date at a minimum. Clients are responsible for accurate labelling.

  • Contamination of the sample – Avoid touching the inside of the container or lid.

  • Delaying shipment – Send your sample as instructed to avoid degradation.

 Labelling Requirements

Proper labelling is essential for processing your sample quickly and accurately:

  • All samples must be labelled with the patient’s full name, date of birth, and collection date at a minimum.

  • Clients are responsible for ensuring labelling is accurate.

  • Always follow any additional labelling instructions provided in your test kit.

  • Labels should be legible, secure, and correctly placed on each sample container.

  • Do not cover any required markings (UN3373 diamond, TDX line, Biological Substance Category B, OVERPACK, MEDICAL EXPRESS, DHL EXPRESS).

  • Incorrect or missing labels may result in your sample being rejected or returned.

 Shipping

  • Requisition forms missing or incomplete – We cannot process your sample without them.

  • DHL label applied incorrectly – It must be on the back of the bag, not inside, and not covering critical markings.

  • Shipping on the wrong day – Avoid sending samples on Fridays or before UK bank holidays.

  • Sample not enclosed in a box or loosely packed in the DHL bag.

  • Forms placed loose in the bag or in the outer pocket.

Important: If the label or packaging obscures any required markings, DHL will reject the package and return it to you. Examples of incorrectly labelled packages are provided in your kit.