Specimens are only acceptable for processing when they are collected and submitted to our laboratories appropriately. Shipping supplies, specimen containers, and transport media are available for clients to order through the Supply Storefront.
If you have questions on what type of container to use for a particular test or specimen, refer to the specimen requirements on the Test Directory or contact Client Services.
When transporting a specimen in a bag, use either a labeled temperature-specific bag or a clear bag with a label indicating the temperature requirements.
Bags with no indicators on them will be treated as room-temperature/ambient specimens.
Be sure to also include an absorbent sheet in any submitted bags to control any condensation or possible specimen leakage while in transit.
Specimen bags and temperature labels are available for clients to order through the Supply Storefront.
All specimens submitted to CCL must be sent to the following address:
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
2119 E. 93rd Street, L15
Cleveland, OH 44106
Specimens sent to a different Cleveland Clinic address are subject to significant delays in processing and may be at risk for specimen integrity problems.
Refer to our Shipping Resources for more information.
Specific specimen volume requirements for each test are provided in our online Test Directory.
If you have concerns about a lower volume of a specimen being submitted, please contact Client Services to discuss the test and specimen. A laboratory representative can advise you whether an alternative technique is available that can accommodate the available specimen volume.
When a specimen is submitted to our laboratories with inadequate volume, the test will be canceled and indicated as “QNS” (Quantity Not Sufficient). The laboratory will store the QNS sample and contact the client to request that the specimen be recollected.
All specimens must be labeled with two unique patient identifiers.
If a requisition is sent with the specimen, then the 2 unique patient identifiers on the requisition and the specimen container must match. This information will ensure positive identification and optimum integrity of patient specimens from the time of collection until the completion of testing.
If a specimen is inappropriately or entirely unlabeled, the client will be notified, and the order will be canceled.
– Glass containers
– Syringe with a needle attached
– Broken or leaking containers
