Identity
Compare identifiers, collection time and requested examination.
MEDIVEERSETHE PRACTICAL HUBOBSERVE / REASON / EXPLAIN
Specimen reception and labelling
Check identity, specimen details and handling requirements before laboratory acceptance.
Your practical station
A labelled container arrives with a request showing a different date of birth. Explain what you would check before processing it.
Recognise and interpret
Reliable results require an intact chain from the correct patient to the correct labelled specimen.
Container
Confirm the correct container or preservative for this specific test.
Escalation
Resolve discrepancies according to laboratory policy; do not guess or relabel from memory.
At the viva table
Try answering aloud, then open the suggested answer. Examiner questions vary.
01 / Is every specimen placed in formalin?
No. Fixation and transport depend on the intended test.
02 / What if the label and request differ?
Follow the discrepancy procedure and contact the responsible team.
03 / Why document collection time?
Timing can affect sample stability and interpretation.
04 / Why avoid unnecessary reopening?
It can compromise containment, sample integrity or identity.