Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
PSTO
Test Code (Numeric Code)
5100
Laboratory Handling
Registration
See Additional Specimen Information section
Separating
See Additional Specimen Information section
Sample Stability
-
Synonyms
Indefinite Storage
Turnaround Time
1 day
Specimen Type
- N/A
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- N/A
Acceptable
- N/A
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- N/A
Acceptable
- N/A
Additional Specimen Information
Storage of specimens indefinitely at the request of a doctor at the time of collection.
These samples will be stored at -80°C indefinitely.
The doctor will be billed annually for storage of the specimens until LabPLUS receive a request to remove the specimens from storage.
1. Purpose
Specimen Reception is occasionally asked to store specimens long term. These specimens may be required for forensic purposes at a later date or for follow-up testing as part of an investigation. For long term storage we maybe requested to store at -80°C or -20°C.
The procedure outlined below is to be followed to ensure that Specimen Reception has comprehensive record of this storage.
This record can then be used to review the storage requirements and contact the appropriate clinician.
2. Principle
The purpose of the "PSTO" test code in Specimen Services is to charge an annual storage fee when specimens are stored at LabPlus for a Long term storage.
The storage fee that is charged annually is a set fee and is usually adjusted yearly.
The fee is charged annually and is initially charged at specimen receipt.
When on-going storage occurs at subsequent years then the storage fee is charged again.
3. METHOD FOR INDEFINITE STORAGE
Registration and aliquoting of the specimen
1. Identify those specimens required for long term storage e.g. urine, CSF, blood, etc.
2. Follow the information below to identify which code to be used.
Length of Storage
Storage for 7 days: Registration Code: No code -Write 'SP' on the tube. Storage: 4°C Biochemistry storage.
Storage for 14 Days: Registration Code: HLD. Storage: -20°C in Freezer 36 HOLD rack.
Indefinite Storage: Registration Codes: PSTO + SCOM. Storage: -80°C Freezer.
3. Specimens to be stored for 14 days the test code is HLD. Refer to Medialab procedure: LPALSSPEPR059 Cabinet and Centrifuge Procedure for specimens that are for 'HOLD' (Storage for 14 days only).
4. Specimens to be stored indefinitely register for 'SCOM' and 'PSTO' plus any other tests requested on the form. Refer to Medialab Procedure: LPALSSPEPR055 Long-Term Sample Storage (PSTO) Procedure
5. Number the form and specimens following standard numbering procedures.
6. Take a photocopy of the form and send with specimens for centrifuging.
7. Centrifuge and aliquot specimens as required, following the guidelines for tubes to be used below.
Storage type Tubes to be used
Permanent storage Pilot tubes
Organ donor Nunc tubes
Other fluid Whole specimen
8. PLEASE ALIQUOT MAXIMUM VOLUME OF SERUM OR PLASMA FOR STORAGE.
9. File the primary tubes in the biochemistry specimen storage rack system. These will be discarded as per standard procedure, after 7 days.
Specimens for LONG TERM STORAGE (PSTO) and BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT (BMT) DONOR SPECIMENS (BMTX)
10. Once the specimen has been aliquoted place a photocopy of the form in the plastic sleeve on the outside of the Level 3 Clinical Trial Freezer 3 ADHB37678A.
11. Place the specimens in the Level 3 Clinical Trials Freezer 3 ADHB37678A, Top shelf in the box labelled:
LONG TERM STORAGE
PLEASE PLACE SAMPLES IN THIS BOX FOR STORAGE
12. The Trouble Shooter / Technical Specialist or Section Leader will complete the process for recording and storage of these.
13. If the length of storage is not specified on the request form, hand the request to the Specimen Trouble-shooter to find out the requirement from the clinician. If the request cannot be clarified within the same working shift, centrifuge and aliquot the specimens and put in the Level 3 Clinical Trial Freezer 3 ADHB37678A for Specimen Troubleshooter to follow-up in the next shift. Please ensure a copy of the form with details of the problem and indication of where the specimen located need to be placed in the Troubleshooter box for follow up purpose.
Last updated: 15/09/2026