STORAGE
AND SPECIMEN RETENTION
During
the process of analysis, all specimen bottles remain in a TEMPORARY STORAGE
walk-in refrigerator in the laboratory, the temperature of which does not
exceed 6o C. Following negative initial testing, samples will
be retained for three to five business days and then destroyed.
This allows for reporting of results to the submitter prior to disposal of the
sample as medical waste. Once again, destruction of negative and canceled
specimens is noted on a chain of custody form.
Upon
completion of confirmation testing, specimens and related split bottles will be
transferred under chain of custody to the long-term storage freezer for storage
at or below -20°C. LabCorp maintains all confirmed positive specimens
(including the split specimen, unless a split specimen analysis is requested)
for a period of 365 days. Longer periods of time are available upon
written request from each customer.
The
storage system for long-term storage of specimens includes a large, walk-in
freezer maintained at or below -20o C. The door to the freezer
is secured with a card entry security system, with only authorized individuals
allowed access. This security is further enhanced with a padlocked
bolt. Only individuals authorized with card entry access have access to
the padlock code. The walls of the freezer connect with the ceiling, and
the floor is concrete. The laboratory is equipped with two on-site
generators to maintain proper freezer temperature in the event of a power
failure.
Once
samples have reached their maximum storage time, both negative and positive
results, LabCorp will dispose of the urine and bottle in accordance to the
Standard Operating Procedure. Samples are placed in a “grinder” which
shreds the container and contents. The liquid is flushed into the
sanitary sewer system with Clorox/water. The shredded plastic and metal
container pieces are rinsed with Clorox/water and packaged for a recycling
plant.
