LabGuides

LabGuides are short, interactive tutorials designed to help you meet the acceptance criteria for certain specimens sent to the DSHS Lab. Improper collection, documentation, storage or shipment of specimens are primary reasons they are considered unsatisfactory for testing by the Lab and discarded.

Correct specimen preparation and handling is beneficial for all involved. For the Lab, it helps ensure the quality of test results, compliance with regulatory requirements, and meets test manufacturers’ specimen acceptance criteria. For the provider, it avoids added expense and delays, disruption of health services, and possibly additional discomfort for the patient.

Go to the Tutorials page

The tutorials are in Flash format. You will need the Flash player installed on your computer to use them.

Currently available are tutorials on Submitting Rabies Specimens to the DSHS Lab, Fingerstick Blood Specimen Collection, Venipuncture Blood Specimen Collection, and Packaging and Shipment of Blood Tubes.