Specimen Requirements

For situations where chain-of-custody is required, a complete chain-of-custody protocol must be maintained when collecting and handling specimens. Specimens are kept in the unit (in locked storage) until all of the meconium has been collected, then delivered to the laboratory.

Container/ Tube:

Preferred: Plastic urine container for each excreted meconium specimen.

Specimen Volume: 1.0 gm of meconium. All meconium excreted by infant should be saved. Each meconium specimen should be collected by a physician or nurse in a clean diaper and transferred to a clean-labeled, plastic urine container. (Transitional stool specimens are not acceptable unless it is the only specimen available.)

Stability: Refrigerate specimens prior to being sent for testing.

Collection Instructions:  A completed Chain-of-Custody Form is required when processing a chain-of-custody specimen.  Refer to http://www.usdtl.com/collection/procedures.