Specimen Collection

What we need to provide high-quality results

To obtain the desired lab test result, it is essential that the phlebotomist, or medical staff person taking the patient sample, knows what kind of specimen is needed and at what temperature it should be stored. There are specific requirements when collecting the specimen for each lab test.

The phlebotomist or medical staff person should review the requirements for each test prior to patient sampling by consulting the Laboratory Test Directory on this website. This directory lists what is needed and how it should be stored for over a thousand tests. We regularly update this directory as new tests become available. The tests can be browsed alphabetically, and the directory can also be searched. By following the specific test requirements, the accuracy and precision of the results can be guaranteed.

Common collecting errors to avoid

  • Insufficient specimen quantity
    • A specimen cannot contain less than the stated minimum for a particular test. Stated minimums are absolutely necessary for processing.
    • Whole blood should be drawn in an amount 2.5 times the volume of serum or plasma required for a particular test. For example, if 4 ml of serum are required, draw at least 10 ml of whole blood.
  • Filling a tube too high with a specimen that requires freezing.
  • Hemolysis due to improper specimen collection or handling.
  • Improper container for specimen collection.
  • Patient guidance that is inaccurate or incomplete.
  • Labeling a specimen incorrectly or failing to provide all pertinent information.
  • Loose container lids that lead to leakage or specimen contamination.

Find a Location

Cranford Patient Service Center

  • 27 South Avenue West, Cranford, NJ 07016
  • (908) 441-7710
  • (908) 441-7711
  • Mon., Tue., Wed.: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thu., Fri.: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sat.: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Sun.: CLOSED

Linden Patient Service Center

  • 1901 East Linden Avenue, Unit 25, Linden, NJ 07036
  • (908) 474-1004
  • Mon. – Fri.: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

Somerset Patient Service Center

  • 1553 Rt.27, Somerset, NJ 08873
  • (609) 527-9199
  • (609) 527-9192
  • Mon. – Fri.: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

Succasunna Patient Service Center

  • 225 State Route 10, Succasunna, NJ 07876
  • (973) 971-9314
  • Mon. – Fri.: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

Voorhees Sheppard Patient Service Center

  • 903 Sheppard RD., Voorhees, NJ 08043
  • (856) 528-5915
  • Mon. – Fri.: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

Stamford Patient Service Center

  • 111 High Ridge Road, First Floor, Stamford, CT 06905
  • (908) 583-6632
  • Mon., Wed., Fri.: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Tue., Thu., Sat., Sun.: CLOSED
  • Lunch Break: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM

Baltimore Patient Service Center

  • 3455 Wilkins Avenue, Suite L10-A, Baltimore, MD 21229
  • (410) 644-4444
  • Mon., – Fri.: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

Cambridge Patient Service Center

  • 503 Byrn Street, 2nd Floor, Cambridge, MD 21613
  • (443) 477-6568
  • (443) 477-6530
  • Mon., – Fri.: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

Greenbelt Patient Service center

  • 7525 Greenway Center Drive, Suite T9, Greenbelt, MD 20770
  • (856) 454-5128
  • (856) 454-5136
  • Mon., – Tue.: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sun.: CLOSED

5th Avenue Patient Service Center

  • 5908 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11220
  • (718) 880-9970
  • Mon., – Thu.: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
  • Fri.: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
  • Sat.: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
  • Sun.: CLOSED

First Medcare

  • 8707 Flatlands Avenue, Lower Level, Brooklyn, NY 11236
  • (718) 210-1909
  • (718) 210-1910
  • (718) 210-1910
  • Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri.: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wed.: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

New Hyde Park Patient Service Center

  • 1575 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park, Suite 100-A, NY 11040
  • (516) 500-1047
  • Mon., – Fri.: 7:30 AM-4:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

Rockville Centre Patient Service Center

  • 178 Sunrise Hwy, Lower Level, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
  • (516) 442-0417
  • (516) 442-0418
  • Mon., – Fri.: 7:00 AM-7:00 PM
  • Sat.: 8:00 AM-2:00 PM
  • Sun.: CLOSED

Haverstraw Patient Service Center

  • 52 New Main Street, Haverstraw, NY 10927
  • (845) 310-4659
  • (845) 310-4660
  • Mon., – Thu.: 7:30 AM-4:30 PM
  • Fri., Sat.: 7:00 AM-1:00 PM
  • Sun.: CLOSED

Medical Drive Patient Service Center

  • 1314 Medical drive, Suite 101, Fayetteville, NC 28304
  • (910) 491-5253
  • Mon., – Thu.: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
  • Fri.: 8:00 AM-2:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

Skibo Road Patient Service Center

  • 1905 Skibo Road, Suite 101, Fayetteville, NC 28314
  • (910) 867-7071
  • Mon., – Fri.: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

Walter Reed Patient Service Center

  • 1220 Walter Reed Road, Suite A, Fayetteville, NC 28304
  • (910) 481-1956
  • Mon., – Thu.: 7:00 AM-4:00 PM
  • Fri.: 8:00 AM-2:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

Bangor Patient Service Center

  • 225 Erdman Avenue, Bangor, PA 18013
  • (610) 452-9174
  • Mon., – Fri.: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

Hazelton Patient Service Center

  • 101 South Church Street, Hazelton, PA 18704
  • (570) 455-0747
  • Mon., – Fri.: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

Kingston Patient Service Center

  • 517 Pierce Street, Kingston, PA 18704
  • (570) 283-0674
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

ACCU Reference Louisiana Stat LAB

  • 1532 River Oaks Road W., New Orleans, LA 70123
  • (504) 779-8163
  • (504) 779-8164
  • Mon., – Fri.: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

Metairie Patient Service Center

  • 4213 Saxon Street, Suite #100, Metairie, LA 70006
  • (504) 516-2461
  • Mon., – Fri.: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sat., Sun.: CLOSED

Have questions or need assistance? 

Call (877) 733-4522