Accurate laboratory results begin with proper patient preparation, specimen collection, processing and handling.

Supplies
Main Line Health Laboratories (MLHL) provides clients with supplies necessary for the collection, processing, and referral of specimens to our laboratory. Supplies may be obtained by contacting the Client Service Center at (610) 229-4200.

Specimen Labeling Requirements
Accurate labeling of patient specimens is critical to ensure the accurate reporting of patient results. Main Line Health Laboratories requires that each specimen be labeled with the patient’s full name exactly as it appears on the MLHL test requisition. Clients may label the specimen by either writing the name on the blood collection tube label or by affixing a gummed label to the specimen collection container. When submitting specimens from family members with the same name, (i.e., father, son) middle initials or the use of Jr. or Sr. is encouraged. It is also recommended that the date and time of collection be included.

Health and Safety Precautions:
Main Line Health Laboratories strongly recommends that universal precautions be observed when collecting specimens. Proper blood collection techniques should be followed to minimize risk of transmission of infectious disease to clinical staff and gloves should be worn when appropriate. NCCLS document M29-A, Protection of Laboratory Workers from Infectious Disease Transmitted by Blood, Body Fluids, and Tissue, Approved Guideline, provides specific recommendations. A copy can be obtained from:

More About Specimen Collection, Preparation and Handling...

	Patient Preparation Description of lab tests and procedures which may require patient preparation in advance. More Info!
	Venouse Blood Collection Main Line Health Laboratories' standard procedure for blood collection. More Info!
	Micro Collection Techniques Main Line Health Laboratories provides the following standard procedure for micro blood collection:  for infant and pediatric patients. More Info!
	Urine Specimen Collection Routine urinalysis is one the most frequently performed tests at Main Line Health Laboratories. More Info!
	Stool Specimen Collection Processes for collecting stool for culture. More Info!
	Specimen Preparation Procedures Description of our methods for processing patient specimen to ensure the most accurate laboratory results. More Info!

Test Information:

• For assistance with specimen requirements: please call MLHL Client Services at 610-229-4200.
• For a printed copy of MLHL's Directory of Services: please contact: Jack Galamb, MLHL Outreach Marketing Director at 610-229-4004.