Specimen containers should include which of the following pieces of information?

BIMs are micro-organisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites), nucleic acids, or proteins that cause or probably cause infection in people or animals. In Canada, hazardous products that meet the criteria for classification in this hazard class must have a nine-heading appendix to the SDS to provide information specific to the biohazard (see Table 1). This hazard class was retained from WHMIS 1988.

There are variations and exceptions that apply to labels and SDSs for BIMs used in the laboratory.

BIM SDS

A full supplier label and a 16-section SDS with a 9-section appendix is required when a laboratory receives a hazardous product that is classified as a BIM. This requirement applies to a hazardous product that is only classified as a BIM or that is classified as a BIM and another hazard class. The requirement is the same whether the BIM product was purchased or imported into the lab, or bailed from an owner.

Laboratory workers should be aware that there are Pathogen Safety Data Sheets available for pathogens at the Public Health Agency of Canada website. These PSDSs are technical documents that describe the hazardous properties of the pathogen and recommendations for work involving these agents in a laboratory setting. Note that work involving pathogens in Canada may require compliance with international, national, and provincial laws and guidelines.

Table 1
Additional information elements on SDS – Biohazardous Infectious MaterialsItemHeadingSpecific Information Element1Section I – Infectious Agent

• Name
• Synonym or cross-reference
• Characteristics

2Section II – Hazard Identification

• Pathogenicity/toxicity
• Epidemiology
• Host range
• Infectious dose
• Mode of transmission
• Incubation period
• Communicability

3

Section III – Dissemination

4

Section IV – Stability and Viability

• Drug susceptibility/resistance
• Susceptibility to disinfectants
• Physical inactivation
• Survival outside host

5

Section V – First Aid/Medical

• Surveillance
• First aid/treatment
• Immunization
• Prophylaxis

6

Section VI – Laboratory Hazard

• Laboratory-acquired infections
• Sources/specimens
• Primary hazards
• Special hazards

7

Section VII – Exposure Controls /Personal Protection

• Risk group classification
• Containment requirements
• Protective clothing
• Other precautions

8

Section VIII – Handling and Storage

9

Section IX – Regulatory and Other Information

• Regulatory information
• Last file update (date)
• Prepared by (name of author)

Labels for laboratory samples of BIMs

There are exemptions that apply if the BIM is a laboratory sample (see Table 1). BIM laboratory samples have different SDS and/or label requirements in these situations:

Table 2
Biohazardous Infectious Materials – Laboratory sample exemptions for SDS and LabelLaboratory sampleTypeSDSSupplier LabelOnly classified as a BIMSold or imported (i.e., transfer of ownership)No SDS required

Reduced label required

Only classified as a BIMBailed (transfer of possession, not ownership)*No SDS requiredNo label requiredClassified as BIM and any other hazard classSold, imported or bailedFull 16-section SDS plus 9-section appendix requiredFull label required

* Note that this exemption does not apply to cross-border shipments.

The reduced label requirements for a laboratory sample that is sold or imported and is only classified as a BIM are:

• the product identifier,
• the chemical name or generic chemical name of the BIM,
• the initial supplier identifier, and
• the statement "Hazardous Laboratory Sample. For hazard information or in an emergency call …" followed by an emergency telephone number for the person who can provide information that would be required on a SDS.

Hazardous wastes that are contaminated by BIMs are still treated as hazardous wastes and are exempt from WHMIS label and SDS requirements.

Containers must be capable of withstanding, without leakage, an internal pressure of 95 kPa in the range of -40°C to 55°C.

Mayo Clinic Laboratories supplies containers for fecal specimen collection and processing:

T291 Kit for 24, 48, 72 hours

T288 4 oz container for random collection

Supplied containers have the following label affixed:

Unacceptable Containers

Do not send specimens in unapproved containers due to potential shipping problems. Use Mayo Clinic Laboratories containers to avoid courier rejection and transportation delays.

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Step 3:

Give Stool Collection Instructions to the Patient

Print the Stool Collection Instructions for the patient.

Stool Collection Instructions - English

Stool Collection Instructions - Spanish

When you give the instructions and container to the patient:

1. Place a label with the patient information on the container or write the patient name on the label.
2. Review with the patient:
   • Collection duration
   • Diet requirements
   • Storage of the specimen until it is returned
   • Do not fill any container more than 3/4 full (to the indicated line on the label)
   • Provide Mayo Clinic Laboratories containers for a timed collection
   • How to obtain additional containers from you if necessary

Note: The collection kit comes with an instruction brochure for the patient.

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Step 4:

After Collection, Complete the Label

When the patient returns the container to you, complete the following information on the label affixed to the container:

1. In the Duration section of the label, mark the collection duration. If the timed duration is other than those listed, check "other" and list the duration on the line provided.
2. Indicate whether the entire collection is contained in one container or in multiple containers. If multiple containers, indicate the number of each container (for example, 1 of 3).

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Step 5:

Label the Specimen

Specimens must have two person-specific identifiers on the patient label. Person-specific identifiers include:

• Accession number
• Patient's first and last name
• Unique identifying number (for example, medical record number)
• Date of birth

Mislabeled Specimens

Specimens are considered mislabeled when there is a mismatch between the person-specific identifiers on the specimen and the information accompanying the specimen. This information might include a computer system, requisition form, or additional paperwork.

In addition, if a handwritten name and a label are on the container, the information must match exactly. For example, "Rebecca" does not match "Becky." When insufficient or inconsistent identification is submitted, a new specimen may be required.

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Step 6:

Package the Specimen in a Biohazard Bag

Place the specimen container in a Mayo Clinic Laboratories 12x15 biohazard plastic shipping bag (T043). This bag contains material capable of absorbing the full liquid content of the specimens inside.

Mark the appropriate temperature on the bag: Frozen, Refrigerate, or Room Temp (Ambient).

If you are not using a bag supplied by Mayo Clinic Laboratories:

• The bag must be leakproof.
• There must be absorbent material between the primary receptacle (tube/container) and the secondary packaging (bag) that is able to absorb the entire contents of the bag.

Packaging Multiple Specimens

When a stool test is listed on the temperature batch number with other specimens, the stool container must be bagged separately from other specimens.

Make a copy of the batch page listing the stool test and enclose it with the stool specimen in the bag. The remaining specimens and temperature batch number pages should be bagged together.

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Step 7:

Package Batch Sheets and Forms

Folded batch sheet with bar code and delivery address visible

Electronic Clients

Clients who submit electronic orders will have a batch sheet. The bottom of the batch sheet lists the number of pages (for example, 1 of 3). Fold the batch sheets into fourths and place them in the outside pocket of the bag. If there is no pocket, place them inside the bag with the specimens. Include all pages in the corresponding bag. The delivery address and bar code, if applicable, must be visible. Do not combine multiple batches into one bag.

Manual Clients

Clients who do not order electronically must include a completed Test Request form with each patient specimen. Our Customized Test Request Form generator provides the Test Request form and all other required forms for the specified test. Complete and print all forms included; then fold and insert the forms into the outside pocket of the biohazard bag. If there is no pocket, place the forms inside the bag with the specimen.

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