CHOP Metabolic Lab Specimen Exception Handling Instructions

Specimen identifier mismatch

Requirement: All samples must have two identifiers. Samples with only one identifier are rejected and canceled.
Corrections: No phone corrections are accepted. Submit a new, correctly labeled specimen.
Mismatched identifiers (e.g., wrong MRN): A faxed document may sometimes correct records, but tests are typically canceled and a new sample requested.
Irretrievable specimens (e.g., CSF, biopsy): Exceptions follow specific lab policy and are evaluated case-by-case.

Wrong tube type: Test canceled. Resubmit with the correct tube.
Insufficient volume: If volume is inadequate to run or repeat the assay, the test is canceled or marked “insufficient.”
Stability/temperature issues: Action is assay dependent.
Tests are generally canceled when stability windows are exceeded.
Some assays may be run with a disclaimer based on stability data; decisions made at the time of incident.

Metabolic Lab hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed weekends/holidays).
Metabolic Lab contact info: 215-590-3394; metaboliclab@chop.edu
After-hours/weekend deliveries: Central Lab Services receives and stores packages until the next business day. Metabolic Lab retrieves packages the next morning and enters orders into Epic.
Central Lab contact: 215-590-4347
Recommendation: Avoid shipping on Fridays, weekends, or holidays (including MLK Day and Juneteenth). Ship Monday-Thursday to reduce delay/degradation of samples.

Contact the CHOP Metabolic and Advanced Diagnostics Lab for questions about specimen requirements or exceptions or call 215-590-3394.