Samples Collection
1. Blood Sample Collection
Collect 2 ml to 2.5 ml Blood by venipuncture into each blood collection tube, tubes should be at 17 – 25 C◦ at the time of blood filling .tubes fill slowly – hold tubes on needle for 2-3 seconds after flow ceases. If blood level is not close to the black mark on the side of the tube label, obtain another sample.
Immediately after filling, mix tubes just firmly enough to ensure that the inner surface of the tubes is coated in blood, over energetic shaking may cause cell lysis and gel disruption and could lead to invalid results.
Label tubes appropriately.
Ship the tubes to the laboratory as soon as possible at 17 – 27 C◦.
2. Dried Blood Spots (DBS) Collection
Used for the collection and shipment of dried capillary blood samples. Dried capillary blood samples are an excellent alternative to venous blood samples and can be analysed subsequently in the lab, e.g. for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
Use alcohol pad to clean the tip of the patient finger, Place the tip of the lancet against the side of the fingertip. The side facing the 5th finger, Press down firmly until an audible click is heard, gently press the pricked finger from below the puncture site to allow for a large drop of blood to form, Wipe away the first drop of blood with the gauze, Hold finger downward to allow blood to drop onto circles.
3. 24 Hour Urine Collection
Some tests are carried out on a urine sample collected over 24 hour in order to detect various substance.
- Choose start/finish time for the 24 hour collection e.g. (8 am to 8 am the following day).
- At the start time pass urine as normal into the toilet .Do not collect initial urine sample.
- After the start time ,all urine passed during the 24 hours should be collected in a clean container or jug, and transferred to the urine container provided.
- If using a container with acid, do not discard the fluid .avoid contact with skin and eyes.
- Keep the urine container upright and store in a cool place.
- Collect a final urine sample 24 hours after start time to complete collection.
- Ensure container is labelled with name, date of birth, gender, sample volume, and date and time collection completed.
- Submit sample to the laboratory along with the test request form.
4. Stool Collection for Calprotectin
After Patient Collect the Stool Sample, the sample must be prepared immediately for next step ELISA.
Stool sample extraction: In order to minimize naturally occurring concentration differences in the stool sample, the sample should be mixed well using spatula, weighted amount of sample is diluted 1:50 in extraction buffer in suitable tube. 1 g of stool corresponds 1 ml .The tube is extensively vortex so that the sample is completely homogenized, the sample should be centrifuged for 10 minutes at 2000 rpm.
5. Nasopharyngeal Swab Collection
Suitable for respiratory and upper respiratory viruses, used mainly for diagnosis of Covid 19.
- Gently insert the thin plastic swab into a nostril until the posterior nares is reached.
- The distance the swab is reached is equal to the length of the patient index finger. Mark this distance on swab prior insertion.
- Insert the swab directly back, not up ward (approximately 20 degrees).
- Leave the swab in place for up to 10 seconds. The Procedure may induce coughing and tearing.
- If resistance is encountered during insertion of the swab, remove it and attempt insertion on the opposite nostril.
- Remove swab slowly .label swab with patient full name, date of birth and date of collection.