Samples

If you have been requested by a clinician at GP Direct to hand in a sample, please note the following:

  • Please ensure ANY sample you hand in clearly displays the label gievn to you by the reception team
  • If you have not been given a label or have lost lost it, please ensure the sample has the following information. Any problem with these identifiers may lead the lab rejecting the sample.
    • Your full name
    • Date of birth
    • NHS number. If you do not know your NHS number click here
    • Date of sample
  • Please ensure the tops are tightly closed as any leaking samples will be rejected and pose an infection risk.
  • Please ensure your sample is placed in the clear plastic (biohazard) bags with the zip-lock sealed.
  • Please bring your sample no later than 5pm so as to catch the last sample collection time.
  • Your sample must be accompanied with the sample request form

For information on how to collect a urine (pee) sample, click here
For information on how to collect a stool (poo) sample, click here

Diffrent type of samples

Urine (Pee)

  • Urine for ACR (protein test): this goes into a yellow or white topped bottle for urine samples. Please check with Reception id you are unsure
  • Urine for suspected infection: this MUST go into a red topped bottle that contains boric acid preservative.
  • No urine should go into a pot other than the sterile ones provided by the Surgery. Should this happen, the sample will be rejected.

Stool (Poo)

  • This must be placed into a blue top sample bottle.
  • Once you have tightly sealed the lid, it may be a good idea to wrap some tissue around the sample

Swabs

  • If you have been asked to self-swab – please follow instructions given to you by the clinician. Take care not to contaminate the swab. Make sure the swab is labelled with an accompanying form.

Sputum

  • This must be paced in a sterile white topped specimen tub. No other container will be accepted. Be careful not to contaminate your sample & ensure it is labelled with the accompanying form.

Nails

  • This must be paced in a sterile white topped specimen tub. No other container will be accepted. Be careful not to contaminate your sample & ensure it is labelled with the accompanying form.