Know Your Health
How Are Laboratory Specimens Collected?
When your healthcare professional recommends laboratory testing, you may know which test you need but still wonder what happens when your sample is collected.
Laboratory specimen collection is the process of obtaining the sample needed for a particular test. Depending on the test, this could be a blood sample, urine sample, swab, tissue or another type of specimen.
Knowing what to expect can make the process feel more familiar. It can also help you understand why following the correct collection instructions is important for reliable laboratory specimen testing.
What Is a laboratory specimen collection?
Laboratory specimen collection is a sample collected from a patient so it can be examined or tested.
The type of specimen required depends on the test being performed. Different tests are designed to look for different substances, cells, organisms or biological markers.
Common laboratory specimens include:
- Blood
- Urine
- Swabs
- Tissue
- Other appropriate biological specimens
Not every laboratory specimen test requires a blood sample. The specimen collected will depend on what your healthcare professional needs to investigate or monitor.
Why Is Specimen Collection Important?
The quality of a specimen can affect the laboratory testing process.
A specimen needs to be collected correctly and handled appropriately so that the laboratory can perform the required test. This is why some tests have specific instructions before or during collection.
For example, you may be asked to fast before a blood test, collect a specimen at a particular time or use a specific container.
Following the instructions provided for your particular test can help prevent unnecessary delays or the need to repeat a collection.
How Is a Blood laboratory specimen collection handled?
Blood collection is one of the most common types of laboratory specimen collection.
A trained healthcare professional collects a small amount of blood using appropriate equipment. The sample is then placed into the relevant collection tubes and prepared for laboratory specimen analysis.
The number and type of tubes required depend on the tests that have been requested.
What Can Blood Tests Be Used For? laboratory specimen collection
Blood testing can provide information about many different areas of health.
Togalab offers blood-based testing in areas including:
- Cholesterol and lipid profiles
- HbA1c and glucose testing
- Thyroid function
- Cardiac risk assessment
- Vitamin D and nutritional deficiencies
- HIV monitoring
- Hepatitis B and C testing
- Hormonal testing
- Other specialised laboratory specimen investigations
The tests requested will depend on what your healthcare professional needs to investigate or monitor.
What Should You Expect During a Blood Collection?
For most people, a blood collection is a relatively quick procedure.
Before collecting the sample, the healthcare professional will confirm your details and the testing that has been requested. You may then be asked to sit comfortably while the sample is collected.
You may feel a brief pinch or some pressure during the procedure.
If you feel nervous about having blood collected, tell the healthcare professional beforehand. There is no need to feel embarrassed about being nervous. Letting them know can help them support you throughout the collection.
Do You Need to Prepare for Blood Collection?
Preparation depends on the tests being performed.
Some blood tests require fasting while others do not. Certain tests may also have specific instructions about timing or medication.
Before your collection, check:
- Whether you need to fast
- Whether you can drink water
- Whether you should take your usual medication
- Whether the test needs to be performed at a particular time
- Whether you need a referral
- Where your specimen should be collected
Don’t assume that every blood test requires fasting. If you’re unsure, contact your healthcare professional or Togalab Client Services before attending.
How Is a Urine Specimen Collected?
Urine testing is another common type of laboratory specimen testing.
Depending on the test, you may provide your urine at the laboratory specimen tetsing or collect it yourself using a suitable container and the instructions provided.
You may be given instructions about:
- Which urine sample is required
- How the specimen should be collected
- Which container should be used
- How the container should be labelled
- How quickly the sample needs to reach the laboratory
- Whether the sample needs to be collected at a particular time
Always follow the instructions provided for your specific urine test.
If you’re collecting the specimen at home, ask the laboratory what you should do with it once it has been collected.
Why Is the Correct Urine Sample Important?
Different urine tests can require different types of samples.
For some tests, the timing of the sample may be important. Others may require specific collection or handling instructions.
Using the wrong container or not following the collection instructions could affect whether the laboratory can process the specimen correctly.
If you’re unsure how to collect your urine specimen, ask for instructions before collecting it.
How Are Swab Specimens Collected?
A swab is used to collect a sample from a particular area of the body. The location of the swab depends on what is being investigated.
Swab specimens can be used for certain infectious disease tests and other laboratory investigations.
Togalab provides microbiology and virology services, including:
- Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing
- Fungal and mycobacterial testing
- Sexually transmitted infection panels
Molecular diagnostic testing may also require specific laboratory specimen collection depending on the test being performed.
What Is a PCR Specimen?
PCR testing uses molecular laboratory techniques to identify specific genetic material.
Togalab’s RV8 Panel includes PCR testing for:
- COVID-19
- Parainfluenza virus
- Influenza A and B
- Adenovirus
- Rhinovirus
- Metapneumovirus A/B
- RSV
The specimen required for a molecular test depends on the particular investigation.
Your healthcare professional or the laboratory will provide instructions about what type of specimen is required and how it should be collected.
How Are Pap Smear Specimens Collected?
A Pap smear is a type of cytology test used as part of cervical health screening.
During a Pap smear, cells are collected from the cervix so they can be examined in a laboratory. The procedure is performed by an appropriately trained healthcare professional.
Togalab offers:
- Pap smear testing
- HPV DNA testing
- Cervical cancer screening
If you’re having a Pap smear, your healthcare professional can explain what will happen during the procedure and whether you need to prepare beforehand.
How Is Tissue Collected for Histopathology?
Some laboratory investigations require tissue rather than blood, urine or another fluid specimen.
A tissue sample may be obtained through a procedure such as a biopsy. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for examination.
Togalab provides tissue biopsy analysis as part of its pathology and histopathology services.
Related services include:
- Cancer and tumour marker testing
- Immunohistochemistry staining
Your doctor or specialist will explain the procedure used to obtain the tissue sample and what you can expect.
Who Collects Laboratory Specimen?
The person collecting your specimen depends on the type of specimen and the test being performed.
Blood and other clinical specimens are collected by appropriately trained healthcare personnel.
Some specimens may also be collected by patients themselves when this is appropriate and when clear instructions and a suitable collection container have been provided.
If you’re unsure who will collect your specimen or where the collection will take place, contact the laboratory before your appointment.
What Happens After Your laboratory specimen collection?
Once your specimen has been collected, it is prepared for laboratory specimen testing.
The sample is handled according to the requirements of the relevant test before being analysed.
Togalab states that its laboratory team includes technicians, technologists and pathologists who work within stringent quality control requirements. The laboratory also states that it undergoes external quality control and is SANAS accredited.
These processes are designed to support reliable laboratory testing and results.
What Happens If a Specimen Cannot Be Used?
Occasionally, a laboratory may determine that a specimen isn’t suitable for a particular test.
This can happen for different reasons. There may not be enough specimen, for example, or the sample may not meet the requirements of the specific test.
If a new specimen is needed, you or your healthcare professional should receive instructions about what needs to happen next.
If you have questions about your collection, contact Togalab Client Services.
Can You Collect a Specimen at Home?
Some specimens can be collected at home, depending on the test.
However, this shouldn’t be assumed for every laboratory test.
If you’ve been asked to collect a specimen yourself, make sure you understand:
- Which container to use
- How to collect the specimen
- How it should be stored
- How it should be transported
- How quickly it needs to reach the laboratory
Don’t use an ordinary household container unless the laboratory has specifically instructed you to do so.
If you’re unsure, ask the laboratory for the correct container and collection instructions before taking the sample.
What Should You Do Before Your Collection?
A little preparation can make your visit easier.
Before attending, check:
- What test has been requested?
- What type of specimen is required?
- Do you need to fast?
- Are there any medication instructions?
- Does the sample need to be collected at a specific time?
- Do you need a doctor’s referral?
- Where should you go for the collection?
- Do you need to bring identification or other documentation?
If you’ve received written instructions, take the time to read them before your appointment.
What If You Are Nervous About laboratory specimen collection?
It’s completely understandable to feel nervous about medical procedures.
If you’re worried about having blood collected or another type of specimen taken, tell the person assisting you. You can also ask questions about what will happen before the collection begins.
Knowing what to expect can make the experience feel much less stressful.
What If You Are Unsure About the Collection Instructions?
Don’t guess.
Collection requirements can differ significantly between tests, even when the specimens appear similar.
For example, two different urine tests may require different collection methods or timings.
If you’re unsure how to collect, store or transport a specimen, contact the laboratory before collecting it. This can help prevent unnecessary delays or the need to repeat the collection.
Laboratory Specimen Collection and Your Results
The purpose of laboratory specimen collection is to provide the laboratory with the material needed to perform the requested test.
Once testing has been completed, the results are provided through the appropriate channels.
Togalab states that laboratory results are scrutinised by a team of pathologists who are specialists in their respective areas. Pathologists are also available to clinicians who require additional information.
Your healthcare professional can then explain your results and discuss what they mean in relation to your overall health.
Laboratory Specimen Collection and Your Results
The purpose of laboratory specimen collection is to provide the laboratory with the material needed to perform the requested test.
Once testing has been completed, the results are provided through the appropriate channels.
Togalab states that laboratory results are scrutinised by a team of pathologists who are specialists in their respective areas. Pathologists are also available to clinicians who require additional information.
Your healthcare professional can then explain your results and discuss what they mean in relation to your overall health.
Does Every Specimen Collection Require a Doctor's Referral?
Not necessarily.
The need for a referral depends on the specific test and the circumstances.
Togalab works closely with healthcare professionals and states that in most cases a doctor will refer patients for testing. The laboratory also advises that patients can contact them about wellness panels or specific screenings.
If you’re unsure whether a referral is required, contact Togalab Client Services before arranging your collection.
How Can You Arrange a Collection?
If your healthcare professional has requested laboratory testing, ask where your laboratory specimen collection should take place and whether you need to make an appointment or any other arrangements.
Togalab can provide information about its laboratory services and available locations.
The laboratory operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to the information provided by Togalab. Toga Nurses are also available at various locations.
Contact Togalab to confirm the collection arrangements that apply to your test.
Contact Togalab
If you have questions about laboratory specimen collection, contact Togalab before attending.
Client Services can assist with practical questions about laboratory services, testing and results.
For enquiries and test results: 011 663 6300
Client Services: clientservices@togalab.co.za
Finance: Finance@togalab.co.za
Toga Nurses are available at selected locations. Togalab also has JHB and Pretoria depots.
Contact Togalab for more information about available locations and services.
Your Next Step
If you’ve been referred for laboratory specimen testing, make sure you know what type of laboratory specimen collection is required and whether you need to prepare before your collection.
If you’re unsure about the collection process, where to go or whether you need to arrange a collection, contact Togalab Client Services on 011 663 6300 or email clientservices@togalab.co.za.
You can also speak to your healthcare professional if you have questions about why a particular specimen or laboratory laboratory specimen test has been requested.
Final Thoughts
Laboratory specimen specimen collection is an important part of the testing process.
Whether your specimen is blood, urine, a swab, tissue or another appropriate sample, the collection method depends on the laboratory test being performed.
Following the correct collection instructions helps ensure that the appropriate specimen is available for testing and can help avoid unnecessary delays or repeat collections.
If you’re unsure what to do before your collection, don’t rely on assumptions or general information. Contact Togalab Client Services or speak to your healthcare professional for guidance specific to your test.