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LIMS Courier Collecting Samples

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Dr M H B Ariyaratne edited this page May 22, 2026 · 1 revision

Collecting Samples (Courier)

This article describes how a courier or mobile phlebotomist collects a sample from a patient's home or remote location using the LIMS courier interface. For an overview of the courier workflow, see Courier Workflow Overview.

Before You Arrive at the Patient's Location

  1. Confirm the appointment details with the patient (address, time, tests ordered).
  2. Ensure the lab bill has been raised and the order exists in the system. If not, the billing staff at the collecting centre must create the bill before collection can be recorded.
  3. Carry the correct collection kit for the tests ordered (tubes, needles, biohazard bags).
  4. Have your mobile device charged and connected to the internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
  5. Carry a portable label printer and confirm it is paired and has label stock.

Opening the Courier Interface

  1. On your mobile device, open a browser and navigate to the LIMS web address used by your institution.
  2. Log in with your courier credentials.
  3. From the menu, go to Collecting Centre > Courier > Collect Samples (or tap the Collect Samples shortcut on the courier home screen).

Finding the Patient's Order

You can locate the order in two ways:

Option A: Scan the Bill Barcode

  1. Point the barcode scanner (or camera-based scanner in the app) at the bill barcode on the patient's appointment letter or bill receipt.
  2. The system immediately loads the patient's details and all tests ordered.

Option B: Search Manually

  1. In the Search field, type the patient's name, registration number, or mobile number.
  2. Select the correct patient from the search results.
  3. Select the open bill with the pending tests.

Printing Barcode Stickers

  1. Once the bill is loaded, tap Generate Barcodes (or Print Stickers).
  2. Sticker barcodes print automatically on the portable label printer.
  3. Check that each sticker is printed clearly and legibly.
  4. Set the labels aside — do not paste them onto containers yet.

Collecting the Sample

  1. Verify the patient's identity verbally (ask for full name and date of birth).
  2. Explain the procedure to the patient.
  3. Collect the sample according to the clinical protocol for each test type.
  4. Immediately after drawing, paste the correct barcode sticker onto the container while the patient is still present.
    • One sticker per container.
    • Verify that the test name on the sticker matches the container type (e.g., EDTA for haematology, plain for biochemistry).
  5. Place the labelled containers in a biohazard transport bag.

Marking Collection in the System

  1. Back on the courier interface screen, the collected samples are listed.
  2. Select the investigations for which you have collected samples.
  3. Tap Mark as Collected. The system records your identity, the collection timestamp, and the location.
  4. The investigation status updates to Sample Collected.

After Collection

  • Place the biohazard bag in your sample transport box (cold chain if required for the test type).
  • Return to the laboratory or the designated drop-off point.
  • Record the handover when you arrive at the lab. See Handing Over Samples to the Lab.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Never draw a sample before the barcode sticker is ready to paste — in the rare event of a printer failure, call the lab before proceeding.
  • If a patient is not at home when you arrive, mark the sample as uncollected and contact the booking staff to reschedule.
  • Keep the sample at the correct temperature during transport (room temperature, refrigerated, or on ice as required for the test).
  • If the patient requests a copy of their report, inform them that the report will be available via SMS, email, or at the collecting centre once approved.

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