Create a Specimen Remotely

Updated 14 October 2026 11:24

Step 1

Select the Specimens option on the main menu.

Note: The visibility of main menu options is determined by menu permissions. For more information about configuring menu permissions, see: Understanding Menu Permissions.

Step 2

Select the Add Specimen button at the top of the screen, then select Microbiology Request from the dropdown.

Step 3

The Patient Search page will appear

Note: The search fields that appear on this screen can be configured according to your preference.

When you are ready to proceed, click Next at the bottom of the screen.

Step 4

The Patient Search Results page will appear - select the card representing the patient for which you wish to add a specimen.

Note: Alternatively, you may create a new patient from this screen. For more information about creating a new patient, see: Creating a New Patient with a Specimen.

Step 5

The patient details page will appear

Patient Ref

The patient reference number is displayed here, but cannot be edited. For more information about how to edit a patient reference number, see: Editing a Patient.

Location of Specimen Collection

Type in the field to bring up a scoped list of options, then select from this set.

Admission Date

Use the date picker or type to specify the patient admission date.

Clinical Contact Phone Number

Enter a clinical contact phone number if known.

When you have finished entering the patient details, click the Next button at the bottom of the screen.

Step 6

The Clinical Information page will appear

Antibiotics in Last 24 Hours

Use the dropdown to specify whether antibiotics have been administered to the patient in the last 24 hours.

Temperature in Last 24 Hours

Use the dropdown to specify whether the patient has had a temperature in the last 24 hours.

Suspected Clinical Diagnosis

Use the dropdown to specify suspected clinical diagnosis.

Additional Clinical Information

Use this free-text field to enter additional information against the patient where appropriate.

When you have finished entering the clinical information, click the Next button at the bottom of the screen.

Step 7

The Specimen Information page will appear

Specimen Type

Select the specimen type from the dropdown.

Collection Date

Use the date picker or type to specify the collection date.

Collection Time

Type to enter the received time (24 hour format).

Existing Barcode

Use if a barcode already exists for the specimen.

Further Information

Use this free-text field to enter additional information against the specimen where appropriate.

When you have finished entering the specimen information, click the Next button at the bottom of the screen.

Step 8

The Select Tests page will appear

From this screen you can create direct test requests associated with the specimen.

Note: Direct tests can be set to automatically be selected based on Specimen Type. For more information about Specimen Type Direct Test Defaulting, see: Add Direct Test Default.

When you have selected any appropriate tests, click the Finish button at the bottom of the screen to save the new remote specimen.

Step 9

Verify that the newly created specimen appears correctly in the list.