Laboratory Sample Collection Guide
General guidance for blood collection and for collecting urine and stool samples for laboratory testing.
Blood Collection · Urine Samples · Stool Samples · Test-Specific Instructions
Important Information Before Collecting a Sample
Sample preparation and collection requirements vary depending on the laboratory test.
Before collecting a urine, stool or other sample, please contact Andalab to confirm the correct sample type, collection method, container, preparation requirements, storage conditions and delivery time.
Use only the collection container provided or approved by Andalab, and follow the specific instructions given for your requested test.
Do not collect a sample in advance unless Andalab has confirmed that it is suitable to do so.
Blood Sample Collection
Blood samples are collected by trained Andalab staff using established laboratory procedures.
Preparation requirements vary depending on the requested test. Many blood tests require no special preparation, while others may require fasting, collection at a particular time or other specific instructions.
Before Your Blood Test
✔ Follow the preparation instructions provided for your requested test.
✔ Confirm whether fasting is required and how long you should fast.
✔ Plain water is generally permitted during fasting unless you have been instructed otherwise.
✔ Do not stop taking prescribed medication unless advised by a qualified healthcare professional.
✔ Tell our staff if you have previously felt faint during blood collection, have a bleeding condition or are taking medication that may affect bleeding.
✔ Let our staff know if you have an allergy or sensitivity to adhesive dressings, antiseptics or latex.
After Blood Collection
✔ Apply firm pressure to the collection site as instructed by our staff.
✔ Keep the dressing in place for the period advised by our staff.
✔ Mild tenderness or bruising around the collection site may occasionally occur.
✔ Contact a healthcare professional if you experience persistent bleeding, significant swelling, worsening pain or another concerning reaction.
Urine Sample Collection
Urine collection requirements vary depending on the laboratory test. Before collecting a sample, confirm whether you need a midstream urine sample, first-catch urine sample, timed collection or another specific collection method.
Use only the sterile collection container provided or approved by Andalab.
Do not collect the sample until Andalab has confirmed the required collection method, preparation instructions and minimum time since your last urination.
Routine Midstream Urine Sample
A clean-catch midstream sample is commonly used for routine urine testing and urine culture.
✔ Wash your hands before collecting the sample.
✔ Clean the genital area according to the instructions provided.
✔ Begin urinating into the toilet.
✔ Without stopping the urine flow, collect the middle portion of the urine in the sterile container.
✔ Avoid touching the inside of the container or lid.
✔ Close the container securely immediately after collection.
First-Catch Urine Sample
Some STI and specialised tests may require the first portion of the urine stream rather than a midstream sample.
Important Collection Notes
✔ Avoid contaminating the sample with toilet water, tissue, soap or other substances.
✔ Tell Andalab if you are menstruating, as this may affect certain test results or collection instructions.
✔ Label, store and deliver the sample according to the instructions provided by Andalab.
✔ Contact Andalab if the sample spills, leaks, becomes contaminated or was collected using the wrong method.
Stool Sample Collection
Stool collection requirements vary depending on the requested laboratory test. Some tests may require a special container, collection kit, multiple samples or specific storage and delivery conditions.
Before collecting the sample, confirm the instructions provided by Andalab.
How to Collect a Stool Sample
✔ Wash your hands before collecting the sample.
✔ Use only the collection container or kit provided or approved by Andalab.
✔ Collect the stool in a clean, dry container or using the collection method instructed by Andalab.
✔ Prevent the sample from coming into contact with urine, toilet water, tissue, soap or cleaning products.
✔ Transfer the amount requested by Andalab into the sample container using the attached scoop or collection device.
✔ Collect samples from any areas containing mucus, blood or an unusual appearance when specifically instructed.
✔ Close the container securely immediately after collection.
Important Collection Notes
✔ Do not collect a sample directly from toilet water.
✔ Do not overfill the collection container.
✔ Some stool tests may require more than one sample collected on different days.
✔ Label, store and deliver the sample according to the instructions provided by Andalab.
✔ Contact Andalab if the sample spills, leaks, becomes contaminated or cannot be delivered within the confirmed time.
Other Sample Types
Some laboratory tests require samples other than blood, urine or stool. These may include swabs, sputum, semen, 24-hour urine collections and other specialised samples.
Collection requirements vary depending on the test and may involve specific preparation, timing, containers, storage conditions or transport instructions.
Please contact Andalab before collecting any specialised sample. Our team will confirm the correct collection method and provide the necessary container or collection kit when required.
Do not collect or submit a specialised sample using general instructions intended for another test.
Labelling, Storage and Sample Delivery
Correct labelling, storage and timely delivery help protect sample quality and support reliable laboratory testing.
Labelling Your Sample
✔ Label the container with the information requested by Andalab.
✔ Include the collection date and time when instructed.
✔ Make sure the information is clear and matches the patient details provided to the laboratory.
✔ Do not submit an unlabelled or incorrectly labelled sample.
Storing Your Sample
✔ Follow the storage instructions provided for the requested test.
✔ Keep the container securely closed and place it in the supplied transport bag when available.
✔ Do not refrigerate, freeze or leave the sample at room temperature unless instructed to do so.
✔ Keep the sample away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and contamination.
Delivering Your Sample
✔ Deliver the sample to Andalab within the confirmed time.
✔ Transport it in an upright and secure position whenever possible.
✔ Tell our staff the collection date and time when submitting the sample.
✔ Inform Andalab if the sample has leaked, spilled, been stored incorrectly or cannot be delivered within the recommended time.
A sample may need to be collected again if it is unlabelled, leaking, contaminated, stored incorrectly, delivered too late or unsuitable for the requested test.
Need Collection Instructions for a Specific Test?
Send Andalab the exact name of the test you require or a photograph of your laboratory request.
Our team can confirm the required sample type, preparation instructions, collection method, suitable container, storage conditions and delivery time before you collect the sample.