If one of your patient’s specimens testing is delayed for more than an hour after the collection, what should you do?

In the scenario where a patient's specimen testing is delayed for more than an hour after collection, sending the specimen to the lab is the appropriate action to take. Once a specimen has been collected, it is vital to minimize the delay in processing as much as possible, but if the specimen has already been delayed, it is still crucial to forward it for testing rather than discarding it or holding it indefinitely.

Sending the specimen to the lab is important because the laboratory can still process it, and if necessary, they will utilize established protocols for specimens that have been delayed. This could include specific storage recommendations or procedures to ensure the integrity of the specimen is maintained as much as possible. Additionally, the laboratory staff has the expertise to interpret results based on the condition of the specimen upon arrival.

Retaining or discarding the sample would not be beneficial as it could lead to the loss of potentially valuable diagnostic information. Notifying the physician immediately may not be required in all situations unless there are specific concerns about the implications of the delay on the patient's health. Re-drawing the specimen is typically not necessary unless the lab informs you that the sample is unusable. Thus, forwarding the specimen ensures that the patient still receives care based on available data from the specimen that has