Are you using the correct sample container when sending a specimen to Microbiology?

March 15, 2023

Since the microbiology labs have moved to BCPS Wolverhampton, the department are experiencing an increase in the number of rejected specimens due to collection of samples in a wrong container.

This subsequently leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment of patients, resulting in an increase of antibiotics use and length of stay. This then has a negative impact on patient flow, infection control management and delays care and decision making. It also has a considerable cost to the laboratories due to wastage of resources such as staff time, equipment as well as consumables such as specimen containers and request forms.

Please see Which container help sheet as a reminder of the common swabs and samples pots used in microbiology.