A Specimen’s Journey from You to the Laboratory

Specimens are routinely collected in the outpatient setting and then transported to the laboratory for analysis. The journey may seem short, but there are actually many steps involved in ensuring that the specimen arrives safely and intact.

When your doctor sends a specimen to the laboratory, it begins an amazing journey. Depending on the type of specimen, where it came from, and what tests are being performed, the journey may vary slightly. But in general, this is what happens:

First, the specimen is received by a phlebotomist or other trained medical professional. They will verify your identity and make sure that the specimen is correctly labeled with your name and other identifying information.

Next, the specimen is taken to the laboratory for processing. Here, it will be prepared for testing according to the instructions of the lab technologist. This may involve centrifuging (spinning at high speeds), diluting, or otherwise manipulating the specimen.

Once the specimen is ready, it is transferred to the testing area. Here, the lab technologist will perform the actual tests, using specialized equipment and techniques.

Finally, the results of the tests are interpreted by a qualified medical professional, such as a doctor or pathologist. They will use these results to make decisions about your treatment or diagnosis.

The whole process from start to finish can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, depending on the type of specimen and the complexity of the tests being performed. But thanks to modern science, we are able to learn an incredible amount about your health from just a small sample of your tissue or blood.

With proper care and handling, you can ensure that specimens remain intact and usable for analysis. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your specimens arrive safely and in good condition.