Please ensure the correct colour bags are being used for microbiology specimens. If colleagues don't choose the correct colour bag, it could be incorrectly sent on to transport to the Centre for Laboratory Medicine (CfLM) in Leeds and delay patient care. 

The correct colour bags for specimens are as follows, more information can be found in the below word document: 

Microbiology

All microbiology blood, swabs, urine and stool specimens (microbiology and serology). Place each individual patient’s specimen in separate carrier/envelope and place in a blue transport bag.

Blood sciences

All blood sciences blood, urine and stool specimens, (haematology, biochemistry, and immunology). Place each individual patient’s specimen in separate carrier/envelope and place in a red transport bag.

Cellular pathology

All cellular pathology biopsy, smear and aspirate specimens (histology and cytology). Place each individual patient’s specimen in separate carrier/envelope and place in a green transport bag.

Blood transfusion

All blood transfusion samples. Place individual patient’s specimen in separate carrier/envelope and place in a red transport bag.