Attention Clients: Change to Sample Identification Policy

Maintaining strict requirements for sample identification and test ordering is essential in allowing AIT Laboratories to stand behind the quality and integrity of every test result. The College of American Pathologists (CAP) has issued new regulations that affect the samples you send to AIT. Samples received without two identifiers will be cancelled and discarded immediately.

1. Effective August 17, 2009: All primary specimen containers must be labeled with at least two identifiers at the time of collection, and both identifiers must appear on the specimen container and on the requisition form. Examples of acceptable identifiers include: patient name or initials, date of birth, social security number, or requisition number. Samples received without two identifiers will be cancelled and discarded immediately.
   
2. Effective August 17, 2009: The requisition form must contain the following information in addition to the two patient identifiers described above:
      a) Name and address of the physician ordering the test
      b) Date of specimen collection
   Samples received without the required information will be placed on hold and an affidavit will be issued to the ordering agency. Testing will proceed upon successful collection of the required information.
   
3. Effective August 17, 2009: AIT will only perform tests at the written or electronic request of an authorized person. This requirement is satisfied when a client marks the box next to a pre-printed test or when the desired test is written on the requisition form in the event the test is not pre-printed on the form. Samples received without any indication of the testing that is to be performed will be placed on hold and an affidavit will be submitted to the ordering agency. Testing will proceed upon successful verification by the submitting agency of the desired test.

We appreciate your cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact our Client Services Department  toll-free at 800-875-3894 or via e-mail at clientservices@aitlabs.com.