Repeat Testing

Repeat determinations are routinely performed as part of our ongoing quality assurance program. If the variation between samples exceeds precision criteria, assays are repeated in duplicate. For most assays, specimens will be retained for seven days. In the event a test result is questioned, a physician may request a repeat at no charge by contacting customer service representatives at (440) 285-6459.

Request to Phone Report

Test results are called if noted on the requisition. Exceptions to this would be any results exceeding the laboratories critical limits. These critical values are called around the clock as soon as they are obtained and regardless of a request to call. STAT test results are auto faxed upon completion.

Test Additions

Additional testing can be arranged if sufficient volume remains after initial tests are completed and specimen stability has not been exceeded for the test requested. Contact our customer service representatives at (440) 285-6459.

Tests Cancellation

Cancellations received while specimens are in transit will be accepted at no charge. Cancellation requests received after test setup cannot be accepted. A report and appropriate charges will be issued. Contact our customer service representatives to cancel a test request at (440) 285-6459.

Test Rejection Criteria

  • Unlabeled specimen
  • Mislabeled specimen
  • Improperly/incompletely labeled specimen
  • Inadequate or insufficient information on requisition
  • Specimen collected in wrong tube, container or preservative
  • Specimen inappropriately handled with respect to temperature, timing or storage requirements
  • Quantity not sufficient for test requested
  • Specimens submitted in syringes with needles attached
  • Cracked or leaking containers with external contamination
  • Specimens submitted in tissue paper, diaper, foil, plastic wrap, etc.
  • Hemolysis
  • Lipemia

Unacceptable Specimens

Because of improper collection or in-transit degradation, some samples cannot be analyzed. You will be notified the same day of rejected or problem samples. Specimen rejection may be avoided by ensuring the following conditions are correct:
  • Patient/specimen identification matches with requisition
  • Pertinent patient information included
  • Specimen type (plasma, serum, whole blood, etc.) and volume
  • Specimen container (sterile, metal-free, etc.)
  • Temperature (ambient, refrigerated or frozen)
  • Urine pH
  • Transport medium
  • Lack of hemolysis
  • Any specimen submitted in a manner that could create a health or safety hazard to laboratory personnel is considered unacceptable. This includes specimens submitted in syringes with needles attached, cracked or leaking containers and broken slides.

For more details on the University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center Laboratory or to schedule an appointment please call 440-285-6459.