Medical Staff:
To optimise processing, if multiple tests in addition to Calprotectin are requested (faecal micro & culture, molecular EIA/PCR and faecal chemistry), it is preferable to collect a separate sample for each test. If this is not possible, shared samples for calprotectin and other test will be accepted.
Specimen must be received in the laboratory within 3 days of collection.
Specimen Reception:
For billing purposes, all specimens received for Calprotectin (CALP), must be given a separate laboratory number and data entered separate to other requested tests. CSR responsible for data entry of both laboratory numbers.
1. If only Calprotectin, place specimen in Immunology basket in 4oC cold room
2. If faecal chemistry test/s are requested on the same sample, place 2 lab numbers and a share sticker on the primary specimen. Store primary specimen in Immunology basket in 4oC cold room. Immunology will forward the sample to Biochemistry once calprotectin testing has been completed.
3. If Microbiology tests and calprotectin are requested on the same sample, place the Bacteriology laboratory number only and a share sticker on the sample. Register Calprotectin test and print 3 barcodes, one for referral and place 2 barcodes in with sample for Bacteriology. Forward specimen to Bacteriology for specimen separation. The specimen will be shared and a sample forwarded to Immunology for testing.
LABORATORY NOTES:
Bacteriology: print labels for CALP proc code (separate laboratory number) and affix to seperate container for sharing specimen. Send to Immunology