Specimen Labeling Requirements

To ensure quality and accuracy in our testing, all specimens submitted to the North Oaks Department of Laboratories for processing MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED in the presence of the patient with a minimum of TWO PATIENT IDENTIFIERS. However, when more than two patient identifiers are submitted, the level of patient safety is improved. All collection information should also be provided to ensure specimen integrity.

Acceptable Patient Identifiers are the patient’s: ​

1. First and last name

2. North Oaks medical record number (if available)

3. Social security number

4. Date of birth

In addition, specimen label must contain the following:

1. Time of collection

2. Date of collection

3. Collector’s initials

4. Facility name (if possible)

5. Source, if other than blood

6. Laterality, if applicable

All specimens must be labeled INDIVIDUALLY. Any improperly labeled specimen(s) will not be tested. The rejected specimen(s) will need to be recollected and resubmitted for testing.

Note: Specimens collected for cultures also must be labeled with the source and laterality of the specimen (i.e., left arm, right leg). Please identify urine specimens as either Clean Catch (CCMS) or Catheterization (CATH).

Schedule an Appointment

Call North Oaks Scheduling between 7 am and 5:30 pm.
Hammond: (985) 230-7777
Livingston: (225) 686-4899

For more information on the laboratory services offered at North Oaks, please call (985) 230-6165

If you are a provider and need to send an order, please send it via fax at (985) 230-6781.