A specimen is a substance, physical object, or collection of objects, that the laboratory considers a single discrete, uniquely identified unit that is the subject of one or more steps in the laboratory workflow. A specimen may include multiple physical pieces as long as they are considered a single unit within the laboratory workflow. A specimen results from one to many specimen collection procedures, and may be contained in multiple specimen containers. Specimen may have one or more processing activities.

Identifier assigned by the lab

State of the specimen, such as obtained, processed, used.

The most specific code (lowest level term) describing the kind or sort of thing being represented.

The person or thing the sample was obtained from.

When the sample was obtained, as a specific time or time period.

How the specimen was obtained.

The body site where specimen was collected

Identifier for the source specimen from which this specimen was derived.

Time the item was delivered to, or accepted by, the receiving facility or unit.

Direct container of specimen (tube/slide, etc.)

Treatment performed on the specimen.

Cautions on the handling of this specimen.

Information about the proper handling of the specimen.