Any test requiring testing by a reference laboratory is processed through the Reference section of the Clinical Laboratory. The Reference section is located in the Central Receiving section of the Clinical Laboratory. All specimens are analyzed by a reference laboratory which is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the U.S. Government: CLIA 88.
Location: First floor of the hospital. Room S101-02
Telephone: 984-2373; 984-2350 (after 4:00 pm)
- Janet Liebl, BS, MT (ASCP), Chief Technologist, Laboratory Information System ..Ext. 42883
- Peggy Wilkins, AA, MT (HHS), Assistant Chief Technologist: LIS ................................Ext. 56100
- Missy Berry, MT(ASCP), Assistant Chief Technologist ................................................. Ext. 42886
Schedule of Reporting Reference Testing: Procedures not routinely performed in the hospital laboratory are sent to a reference laboratory. These tests are often performed in batches (1-2 times/week) by the reference laboratory, so in some instances, more than a week can elapse before the report is returned to UMC. When these tests are needed urgently, please discuss your need with the pathologist.
The laboratory is responsible for reporting only those tests sent out through the Reference Section. Also, when billed by the reference laboratory, only those tests sent by the Reference Section will be authorized for payment. When any specimen is taken or sent directly from a floor or department, or taken by physician, the bill for that test will be referred to the ordering physician for payment.
Reference Test Procedure: All specimens to be sent to the reference laboratory will be processed by laboratory personnel and packaged to be picked up by the reference lab courier or sent via commercial carrier in accordance with DOT/IATA regulations. These tests are sent out Monday through Friday and picked up by the courier by 2:30 pm each day. Any test that is to be sent out should be in the laboratory for processing by 1 pm, Monday through Friday. If specimens arrive in the laboratory later than these times, the specimen will be held over and transported by the courier the following day. Friday late specimens are held until Monday unless special arrangements are made.
After the courier picks up the specimens, they are forwarded directly to the reference lab for the tests to be performed. The name and address of the performing laboratory is printed on the report.
Some reference lab tests can be ordered in SMS. When a requested test is not in the computer, please call extension 42373 (M-F, 7:30am-4:00pm) or Central Receiving at extension 42350 for special information.
Specimen Requirements:
Collection instructions and specimen requirements for the most commonly ordered send-out tests are listed under the appropriate department section. The container types for many other tests are listed in the mnemonic guide. Because the collection and handling specifications of the reference laboratories are varied and must be followed precisely, please call the reference section (984-2373, 984-2886 or 984-2883, M-F 7:30 am-4:00pm) for collection instructions on any send-out test for which the specimen requirements are not known. Many reference tests are very costly and results will be meaningless if the proper collection and handling techniques are not followed. Therefore, any specimen submitted that does not meet the reference lab’s requirements will be rejected and the appropriate personnel notified for recollection. In addition, some tests require additional patient information or signed consent forms. The physician must furnish the proper information or forms before the test can be sent to the reference lab. Certain very expensive or unusual requests may require pathologist approval.