2.3 Identify the correct equipment and materials used in the collection and transport of specimens

This guide will help you answer 2.3 Identify the correct equipment and materials used in the collection and transport of specimens.

Collecting and transporting specimens is an important part of health and social care. Every sample needs to be collected safely and sent to the correct place without delay or damage. Workers must use the correct equipment and materials at every step to protect both the specimen and the people involved.

This guide covers the most common types of specimens, the correct equipment, and the proper materials used in both collection and transport. By the end, you will know how to identify what you need and use it properly. Always seek professional advice when using equipment.

Types of Specimens in Health and Social Care

Workers collect many types of specimens for diagnosis, monitoring, or research. Each type may need special equipment. Some of the most common types include:

• Blood
• Urine
• Stool (faeces)
• Sputum (mucus from the lungs)
• Swabs (for example, from the throat, nose, wound, or genital area)
• Saliva

Each specimen type has its own risks and requirements. Using the correct tools helps keep samples uncontaminated and safe.

Standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Whenever handling specimens, workers wear PPE to protect themselves and prevent contamination. Basic PPE for specimen collection usually includes:

• Disposable gloves: Single-use, used to protect hands from contact with samples.
• Disposable aprons or gowns: Prevents samples from touching clothing.
• Face masks or shields: Used mainly when there’s a risk of splashes or droplets.
• Eye protection: Sometimes needed, especially during procedures that might cause splashing.

Always choose PPE that matches the type of sample and possible exposure risk.

Specimen Containers

Each type of specimen uses a container designed to protect the sample and prevent leaks.

Blood Collection

Blood samples are collected using vacutainer systems, syringes, or lancets (for finger-prick tests). The main containers are:

• Vacuum blood collection tubes: Coloured caps indicate the test required. Each contains a specific additive, such as anticoagulants (to stop blood clotting), or none.
  • EDTA tube (purple top): Often used for full blood counts.
  • Serum tube (red or yellow top): Used when a blood sample needs to clot for serum tests.
  • Citrate tube (blue top): Used for blood clotting studies.
• Needle and holder: A single-use needle with a plastic holder attaches to the vacutainer tube.
• Tourniquet: Rubber or fabric band used to make veins stand out.
• Alcohol wipes: Used to clean skin before the needle goes in.

Urine Collection

Urine specimens are collected in:

• Sterile universal containers: Wide-mouthed plastic pots with screw caps. Used for midstream or random samples.
• Urine sample bottles with boric acid: Boric acid helps preserve urine and keeps bacteria levels stable for analysis.
• Collection hats or urinals: Used to help collect urine from people who find it hard to use standard containers.
• Catheter bags: For samples from people with urinary catheters.

Stool Collection

Stool samples are usually collected in:

• Stool pots: Sterile, plastic, leak-proof containers with screw tops. Some have a spoon built into the lid for collecting small amounts.
• Wooden spatulas or collection sticks: Used to scoop stool into the pot.
• Sealable plastic bags: Hold the pot and add extra protection against leaks.

Sputum Collection

For mucus samples from the lungs:

• Sterile sputum pots: Wide-mouthed, leak-proof containers.
• Sealable bags: Added for transport.

Swabs

Used for throat, wound, nasal, or other surface samples.

• Sterile swabs with or without preservatives: Cotton or synthetic-tipped sticks in a plastic tube. Some include liquid (transport medium) to keep bacteria alive during transport.
• Swab tubes: Prevent stick from touching outside surfaces after use.

Saliva Collection

Some genetic or hormone tests use saliva.

• Saliva collection tubes or pots: Specially designed to collect and hold spit or mouth fluid.
• Funnels: Sometimes supplied for easier collection.

Labelling and Documentation

Every specimen needs clear, accurate labels. Use:

• Self-adhesive printed or written identity labels (Name, Date of Birth, NHS number, Date and Time of collection).
• Request forms: Each sample must have a lab request form, filled out carefully. Forms may be paper or electronic.

Matching each label to the correct pot is critical to avoid wrong results.

Transport Materials

After collection, specimens need to reach the lab safely. This needs extra protection, especially if samples leave the care setting.

Primary and Secondary Containers

• Primary container: The first leak-proof pot or tube containing the sample.
• Secondary container: Waterproof, sealed bag or pot that holds the primary container. Used in case the first pot leaks.

Specimen Transport Bags

Use special specimen bags (commonly “grip-seal” or “zip-lock” style). These have:

• Separate pouch for the lab form, away from the sample
• Water-resistant, tear-resistant material
• Transfer stickers or barcodes in some settings

Transport Boxes

Some specimens need added protection or need to stay cold.

• Rigid specimen transport boxes: Hard plastic, insulated. Used for large or multiple samples.
• Cool boxes: For samples that must stay chilled.
• Ice packs or gel cool blocks: Placed with samples to keep temperature low.
• Polystyrene transport containers: Lightweight, insulated, often used for blood samples where temperature control is key.

Trolley or Dedicated Carriers

Used for internal hospital or clinic transport:

• Trolleys: Used for bulk or heavier samples, designed for easy cleaning.
• Dedicated handheld carriers: Portable, lockable boxes used by couriers or ward staff.

Special Biohazard Labelling

Samples that could carry infection (blood, sputum, faeces) need:

• Biohazard stickers: Bright, standardised symbols warn staff about the risk.
• Colour-coded bags: Sometimes used to distinguish hazardous from non-hazardous samples.

Common Problems and Prevention

Careful selection of correct equipment and materials stops many sample problems:

• Mislabelled containers: Use clear, permanent labels and check twice.
• Leaks: Check pots for cracks and always screw lids on tightly.
• Contamination: Always use sterile pots and touch only the outside.
• Spills: Use absorbent pads in transport bags for extra safety.

If a sample does leak or spill, staff should clean up immediately. Dispose of PPE and use new equipment to recollect if needed.

Handling and Storage of Specimens

Some specimens need special storage after collection:

• Urine: May need refrigeration if delays are expected.
• Blood: Some tests need refrigerated, others must be kept at room temperature.
• Sputum and faeces: Often sent at room temperature but check guidelines.

Never freeze unless instructions say so.

Legal and Organisational Guidance

Always follow local policies and national guidance. Main standards include:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
• Department of Health and Social Care infection prevention guidelines
• Data Protection Act 2018 (for patient identifiers)

Check your employer’s policies for the exact equipment, materials, and processes used.

Disposal of Used Equipment

Once samples are collected and sent, used equipment must be disposed of safely:

• Sharps bins: For used needles, lancets, or broken glass.
• Clinical waste bags: For gloves, aprons, and sample containers.
• Non-clinical bins: For packaging or paperwork not in contact with samples.

Never reuse containers, needles, or PPE. Always follow local guidance on segregation and disposal.

Final Thoughts

Correct equipment and materials keep samples safe, reliable, and acceptable for testing. Always check what is needed before collection. Follow local and national rules, wear the right PPE, and pay attention to labelling and transport. Getting it right protects everyone and improves care.