Q and A: Blood Collection and Testing at NSHA Central Zone Health

At NSHA Central Zone we take patient safety and quality very seriously in every step of your health care. Here are some important details about safe and effective blood collection and the handling of blood samples so that you receive the best possible health care based on accurate test results.

What is important to know about blood collection and the handling of blood samples?

The proper collection and handling of blood samples is critical to ensure accurate results for effective patient care.

What types of errors can happen with blood collection?

There are a number of different types of errors that can happen during the blood collection process. For example:

  • Mislabeled samples - We have processes in place to help identify mislabeled samples and to prevent them from being tested.
  • Not enough sample collected - If there is not enough blood to test, laboratory staff will cancel the test.
  • Samples not transported to the laboratory within the required time - Specimens that arrive late may be cancelled and the business owner is notified of the event.  Late deliveries are noted and monitored for the number of times they happen.

What does a phlebotomist do?

A phlebotomist collects blood samples from patients for laboratory testing. They are also known as blood collectors.

What kind of training do phlebotomists need?

At NSHA Central Zone, our collection staff are trained medical laboratory assistants. Our blood collection staff undergo rigorous in-house training and are actively involved in a competency program. After the initial training, their competency is evaluated and they are reassessed annually.

In private blood collection companies, training is the responsibility of the employee/business owner.

Who does an independent phlebotomist (blood collector) work for?

An independent phlebotomist is an individual who is collecting blood while working for a private business and is not part of NSHA Central Zone.

What happens to my blood sample once it is taken?

Your blood sample is sent to the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at NSHA Central Zone for testing.

Who transports a blood sample taken by an independent phlebotomist to the laboratory?

Most independent phlebotomists use private couriers, while some may deliver themselves. There are requirements and regulations associated with packaging and transportation to maintain sample integrity that independent phlebotomists must follow.

How much time should it take from the time I give my sample to the time it is received at the laboratory?

Samples collected by independent phlebotomists must reach the laboratory in 90 minutes from time of collection to ensure there is sufficient time on the receiving end to process and perform the testing.

What happens if my blood doesn’t get to the laboratory in time?

If your blood is not received by the laboratory in time the integrity of the sample is compromised. The laboratory will cancel the test and advise the doctor who referred you for tests that you will need to have another sample taken.

Who tells me if I need to have another blood sample?

The doctor who referred you for blood tests will notify you that you need to have another blood sample. The laboratory may also call you to advise you to contact your physician.

What happens when NSHA Central Zone identifies quality or safety concerns with an independent phlebotomist?

Each error is reported directly to the independent phlebotomist. When an independent phlebotomist has a high number of reported quality or safety events, we respond by:

  • Reviewing errors
  • Conducting a random audit of collections
  • Meeting with them or the business owner to discuss concerns and ask them to address issue(s)
  • Continuing to monitor samples

If concerns are not resolved to our standards, which are set by Accreditation Canada, we have no option but to end our contract with that phlebotomist or company.

Has NSHA Central Zone ended contracts with independent phlebotomists?

Yes, in the past we have ended agreements that did not meet our quality and safety standards.

Why does NSHA Central Zone use independent phlebotomists if the field is not regulated outside their hospitals?
 
NSHA Central Zone has supported independent phlebotomy by entering into contracts knowing that they provide a convenient alternative to public funded collection facilities. In some cases, as businesses have grown quality issues have increased. At present NSHA Central Zone is not entering into any new contracts with independent phlebotomists.

What is NSHA Central Zone doing to ensure the quality and safety of blood samples from independent blood collectors?

In October 2013, NSHA Central Zone hired a laboratory technical specialist specifically to focus on monitoring and auditing samples from independent blood collectors.

Whom can I call to check if my laboratory tests were performed?

If you have questions related to your laboratory results you should contact your doctor .

What plans are in place to help me get better access to blood collection closer to my community?

NSHA Central Zone is expanding existing services as a pilot project:

  • Effective Monday, May 12, 2014, St Margaret’s Bay Blood Collection expanded its service to include the following times. There is no fee for service as of this date.
    • Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    • Wed, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
    • Sat, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Bayers Road Blood Collection has increased staff and extended its hours. They are now open:
    • Mon through Fri, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
    • Sat., 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Dartmouth General Hospital Blood Collection has increased staffing and extended its hours. They are now open:
  • Monday and Friday (unchanged), 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Woodlawn Blood collection is now open in Dartmouth.
    • Monday and Thursday 7 am to 7:30 pm Saturdays 8 am to 3:30 pm.
    • Please note appointments can be made for this site by calling 902-473-2074 Monday-Friday between 1-3 pm or booking online by visiting booking.nshealth.ca

At NSHA Central Zone blood collection sites, why not put more staff on early for patients who are fasting?

Not all patients who come first thing in the morning are fasting patients. Some come early as it best fits with their work schedule. Providing extended hours and Saturday enables these patients to come at a more convenient time, which in turn decreases the number of people coming in the early morning. The additional staffing for the extended hours has allowed us to have more flexibility in our scheduling, especially for peak times such as early morning. We will be monitoring the situation closely to ensure we are efficient and effective in providing service.

How do I find information on independent collectors including home collection service?

NSHA Central Zone provides a list of several independent phlebotomy services that have a contract in place with NSHA Central Zone Home collection” service is also indicated on this list. The list is located on the NSHA Central Zone website

Please note: NSHA Central Zone is providing this list for information purposes only and it does not represent an endorsement, recommendation or referral of the businesses or their services.