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Test Code LAB12333 Drug Screen 12 Panel - MecStat (Meconium)

Department

SEND OUTS

Reference Lab Test Number

MEC12

Collection Requirements

A sample of 3 grams (1 teaspoon) of meconium is needed for maximum sensitivity.

1. Strategically place a liner in the diaper so, as meconium is passed, it collects on the liner instead of the diaper. Collect by transferring the meconium from the diaper liner to the collection container using the spatula provided. (If collection supplies are not available, a nonsterile, screw-top urine container and wooden tongue depressor may be used.)

2. Place name and I.D. number, or newborn ID sticker, on the Custody and Control Form and collection container. Enter date of birth and time of birth.

3Document each separate collection with a collector signature and date/time of collection on the Custody and Control form. Be sure to continue collecting specimen into the same collection container until all meconium has been excreted. Verify that the container ID# and the ID# on the form match before each collection.

4. When collection is completed, close and latch the lid. Place the bar-coded, tamper evident seal (from the bottom of the form) over the top of the lid, sealing the collection container. Do NOT place the seal over the container latch. Failure to place a tamper-evident seal over the cap will result in a rejected specimen. Initial and date the seal.

5. Mark the meconium box on the form and (5a) select all test(s) that have been ordered.

6. Complete and sign the form.

7. Place the top copy of the completed Custody and Control form in the large pouch of the plastic specimen bag provided. Place the meconium container in the small pouch of the specimen bag, and seal the bag.

8. Place the specimen bag in the box, then place the box in a courier overwrap.

9. Contact your courier for pick-up

Refer To

USDTL

Primary Collection Container

Collection kit

Transport

Storage Conditions: Refrigerated Transport Conditions: Ambient

Processing

LAB will place the sealed specimen bag in the cardboard box, and close the box. Place the ‘box seal’ sticker over the ‘box security seal’ area. Once the box is sealed, it should NOT be broken.

Minimum Testing Volume

3 grams

Reference Range

Negative

Reported

2-3 days for negatives

3-5 days for positives

CPT Codes

80307

Unacceptable Conditions

Failure to place a tamper evident seal over the cap will result in a rejected specimen that the lab will be unable to process

Additional Information

Important Notes:

The maximum window of drug exposure is achieved by collecting and pooling all meconium passed during the postnatal period. Because meconium is heterogeneous, and drugs do not appear to diffuse throughout the entire meconium mass, the pooling of multiple passings of meconium is highly encouraged until all meconium has been excreted. Three grams (1 teaspoon) of meconium are necessary for maximum sensitivity. Smaller amounts can be analyzed, but with a resulting reduction in sensitivity and/or the window of drug exposure. For your convenience, there are five non-absorbent polyethylene diaper liners for multiple collections until all meconium has been excreted. The red tamper-evident seal and absorbent pad are optional supplies for use if needed.

Avoid any contact of ethanol liquid or vapor with the meconium. Meconium specimens for FAEE analysis (EtOH) should be refrigerated and protected from light until they are ready to be shipped. Maximum sensitivity is achieved when specimens are shipped in the frozen state. To report out a positive FAEE result, the laboratory must verify that the specimen was collected less than 18 hours from the time of birth. If the final time of collection is greater than 18 hours from time of birth, the specimen will be rejected for FAEE testing, and the following comment will be added to the specimen report: “Not suitable for FAEE testing due to delayed specimen collection.”