Sample transport bags

Samples should be transported in the correct coloured bag for the department and urgency of sample analysis.

Please ensure:

• Specimens for different Pathology disciplines are placed in separate specimen bags (as indicated on the ICE collection sheet/request form)
• Each specimen bag contains requests for one Pathology discipline only
• For Biochemistry: different sample types (i.e. blood, urine or faeces samples) are in different bags.
• Urgent samples sent from outside the Hospital MUST be placed in the ORANGE urgent bags so that they are readily identifiable when received in the laboratory
• INR samples for anticoagulant monitoring sent from outside the Hospital should be sent in light BLUE anticoagulant bags.

Note: From 10th June routine Biochemistry and Haematology samples will be in the same sample bag and can go in either a Biochemistry or Haematology coloured bag

See colour coded pathology bags guide for more information: