Pre-Analytics Guidelines – MDC Labs

1. Request Form

To ensure accurate patient identification and reliable test results, please complete the Request Form with clear and legible handwriting.

🔹 Patient Details: Include Age or Date of Birth to apply the correct reference ranges.
🔹 Clinic Information: Enter the physician’s or clinic’s name in the upper right corner.
🔹 Sample Identification: Attach the provided ID number sticker to the sample tube. This ensures the correct identification of patient samples.

2. Sample Collection & Pre-Analytical Conditions

Laboratory investigations contribute up to 70% in diagnosing medical conditions. However, factors like storage, transport, and handling can significantly impact test results.

💡 Key Guidelines:
✅ Use the provided sample collection materials to maintain quality.
✅ Avoid splitting samples when possible, as this increases the risk of patient mix-ups.
✅ Ensure proper sample storage to prevent deterioration.

3. Sample Handling Instructions

Vacutainers & Clotted Samples

🔹 MDC Labs provides high-quality vacutainers and German Sarstedt tubes. These systems:
✅ Minimize hemolysis and reduce hematoma or bleeding after collection.
✅ Offer better handling and improved sample integrity.

💡 Clotting Process: Allow whole blood samples to clot for 20-30 minutes before centrifugation. Incomplete clotting may lead to small clots, which can affect test results.

Blood Collection Guidelines

🔹 EDTA & Citrate Tubes:
✅ Mix immediately (gently shake, do not shake vigorously) to prevent clot formation.
🔹 Leaking Vials:
⚠️ Leaking samples pose risks to both laboratory and non-medical staff. Always use properly sealed containers.
🔹 Citrate Tubes for Coagulation Tests:
✅ Fill to the marked level to ensure accurate dilution and reliable results.

Storage Considerations

📌 Haemolysis Prevention:
Avoid collecting blood after prolonged venous congestion, as this can interfere with multiple tests.

📌 Coagulation Parameters:
🔹 Samples must be tested within 4 hours to prevent inaccurate clotting times.

📌 Complete Blood Count (CBC):
🔹 Delayed processing (>4 hours) may distort cell morphology, affecting differential results.

📌 Microbiology Samples:
🔹 Gonococci, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Meningococci, and Anaerobic Germs degrade over time.
✅ Minimize storage time and use special swabs when needed.

📌 PCR Testing (Chlamydia, HCV, HBV, etc.):
✅ Do not open or split vacutainers meant for PCR analysis to avoid contamination.

4. Measurement Tolerances of Applied Methods

5. Specimen Requirements: Tubes & Containers

📌 For special collection materials, orders, or clarifications, please contact MDC Labs.

Contact Information:  📞 Phone: +971 50 889 7692  | 📍 Location: MDC Labs – Al Moosa Diagnostic Center