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Eastern Pathology Alliance provides guidelines for sample collection and submission to the laboratory. Requests should be made using ICE to limit errors and speed up workflow. A request form must accompany all specimens, including patient identification, clinical details, and contact information. The form should clearly state patient's surname, forename, address, date of birth, NHS number, gender, and other relevant details. Samples should be transported promptly to the laboratory, stored at room temperature, and filled with the correct volume of blood. The laboratory does not check the expiry date of sample collection devices, and it is the responsibility of the person collecting and sending the sample to ensure the device is in date. Patient preparation includes verifying patient identity, reviewing the clinician's request, and obtaining informed consent. The laboratory infers informed consent has been obtained when samples are received, and it is the responsibility of the clinician to ensure consent has been obtained. Samples may be rejected if they are inadequately labelled, leaked, or contaminated, and the laboratory will contact the requesting doctor if errors are found.