Sample acceptance

The national sample acceptance policy was published in April 2017 and implemented from 1^st September 2017. (Last updated 26^th October 2020)

By following the national guidance and rejecting samples that fail to meet the sample acceptance criteria, the laboratory will ensure that:

1. The correct test result is issued to the correct women who attends for cervical screening
2. There is a reduction in the time taken to issue cervical screening results

Cervical screening samples must satisfy minimum requirements and any errors that compromise the safety of the patient will result in the sample being rejected.

Essential specimen data requirements are:

• Patient’s full name i.e. at least first name and surname (2 identifiers)
• Patient’s date of birth
• NHS number
• Patient address
• Name & address of GP
• Name and address of sender
• Sample taker personal ID – GMC, NMC or PA number

In order to link the form to the sample vial, at least 3 legible matching patient identifiers must be given on both the form and the vial, see bullet points:

All rejections are coded in the laboratory with the relevant error code.  This provides the laboratory with a means of auditing rejected samples and providing feedback to the Screening and Immunisation Teams

Minor discrepancies

Minor discrepancies will be accepted as the patient identity is known

1. Spelling error in patient name but the name sounds the same (homonyms)
2. Transposition of a single digit within the date of birth or NHS number
3. Specimen without form, or vice versa – contact the sample taker to seek an explanation
4. Request form without sender details – check Open Exeter and phone GP to confirm

Major discrepancies

Major discrepancies constitute a serious risk as the patient identity is uncertain and the sample must be rejected.

1. Absence of two or more essential data items
2. Mismatch between the vial and the form
3. Two or more minor discrepancies
4. Unlabelled vial

Sample acceptance policy – rejection categories

(Last reviewed March 2024)