ANSWERS

1. How might a sample be dispatched to an external laboratory?
   • By courier.
   • By mail - only first class letter post or Data post.
2. What is the maximum amount of fluid that may be sent in a single postal package?
   50 mls.
3. What is the most important thing to remember when dispatching any sample to an external laboratory?
   That the sample is correctly labelled with the date, owner's surname, submitting veterinary surgeon's name and animal identification.
4. Most laboratories supply pre-printed forms to accompany the sample. List the information commonly required by the laboratory.
   • Date of collection of the sample.
   • Date of submission of the sample.
   • Nature of the sample.
   • Anticoagulants or preservatives used
   • Test/s required.
   • Submitting veterinary surgeon's name.
   • Practice address, telephone number, fax number and/or email address.
   • Owner's name and animal name or identification.
   • Animal details including species, breed, age and sex.
   • Previous laboratory references if applicable.
   • Differential diagnosis and clinical history.
   • Further information as necessary. For example, a sample from an animal in quarantine must be clearly labelled as such
5. The veterinary surgeon asks you to submit a blood sample to the external laboratory. The sample is to be sent by courier. Describe your actions.
   • Ensure that the sample is labelled with the date, name of the veterinary surgeon, owner's surname and animal's name.
   • Ensure that the primary container is securely sealed. If anticoagulants are used, ensure that the sample has not clotted.
   • Place the primary container in a biohazard bag containing enough absorbent material to absorb all of the liquid should a breakage occur. This material will also offer protection against shattering. Bubble wrap offers further security against breakage and may be used in addition.
   • Complete a submission form in legible handwriting (see Q4).
   • Choose a suitable outer in which to package the sample and form. Blood tubes are frequently dispatched in padded Jiffy bags, although some laboratories may provide special cardboard or plastic containers.
   • Ensure that the outer package is securely sealed and states the address of the laboratory, and name and address of the veterinary practice. Even if samples are not sent in the post - it is prudent to include the words: "PATHOLOGICAL SPECIMEN - FRAGILE. WITH CARE".
   • Store the packaged sample in the refrigerator until collection. Some practices have a regular courier at a set time on a daily basis, whilst others may need to telephone for the service. Make sure that you are fully aware of your own practice's procedure. If you are due to leave the premises before the sample is picked up, do ensure that another member of staff is aware that the sample is to be dispatched.
6. The veterinary surgeon asks you to submit some blood smears to the external laboratory. The sample is to be sent in the post. Describe your actions.
   • Ensure that the slides are dry.
   • Ensure that the slides are correctly labelled with the date, name of the veterinary surgeon, owner's name and animal's name.
   • Place the slides inside plastic slide containers and seal them. It is prudent to also label the slide containers.
   • Complete a laboratory submission form (see Q4).
   • If more than 1 slide case is submitted, wrap them in tissue paper of bubble wrap to prevent them from knocking into each other. Place these inside a biohazard plastic bag and seal carefully.
   • Place the submission form and slide case/s inside a padded Jiffy bag or suitable box and seal it.
   • Ensure that the outer package is clearly labelled with the address of the laboratory, the name and address of the submitting veterinary practice, and the words: "PATHOLOGICAL SPECIMEN - FRAGILE. WITH CARE".
   • The sample should then be weighed and franked and posted as soon as possible. Ensure that the sample is sent by first class letter post or Data post.