1. Check patient notes to identify the test required.
2. Print TQuest form (if there’s no TQuest form, task the 👤 Nursing team to create one).
3. Find correct sample pot/tube (see table under Sample types below).
4. Stick barcode directly onto the pot/tube and put into plastic bag with form.
• Sealed swabs need to be labelled by the patient, so when they arrive to collect the swab tell them how to do this.
5. Give to patient and tell them when to drop sample back to surgery (see Surgery Collection Schedules for last sample submission time for each surgery).
• Emphasise that we cannot store samples overnight or over the weekend so they must bring them in on time.

1. When a patient brings their sample to reception, ensure that it is in the correct container, and the container is properly secured and labelled.
2. Ask the patient to put the container into a clearly labelled collection box (this can be found at reception). If using a reusable plastic collection box, make sure to clean it daily.
3. In EMIS, find the patient who has produced the sample (it may be someone else dropping it off, so be clear) and add comment in consultation notes of sample type and who dropped it off.

4. Send patient a text via AccuRX about how they’ll receive their results (Test results - how to get them).
5. You can advise the person dropping off the sample:
• if results are normal, we won’t be in touch with the patient.
• we’ll contact the patient directly (usually by text) for results needing further action.
• they can check their results usually after around 7 days via the NHS App or Patient Access.
• they can also request their results via the form on the surgery website or by emailing or calling the surgery.
• if the patient has results that require discussion, book an appointment with appropriate clinician before releasing results

Synnovis

Handles all samples except cervical swabs.

• Sample collection bag is clear with orange trim (says ‘viapath’ on top).
• See collection times in the table ➡️
• Upon arrival, the courier should scan the bar codes posted on the wall of the surgery and on the samples bag.

TDL (The Doctors Laboratory)

Handles only cervical swab samples.

• Sample collection bag is purple.
• Collections are twice a week for every surgery.
• Upon arrival, the courier should scan the bar codes on the wall of the surgery and on the sample bag.

Synnovis collection times