Skip to main content
Version: 3.1

Specimen Definition

Definition​

A specimen definition in Care is a reusable template for one type of specimen, for example a blood draw. It describes how staff collect the specimen and how they handle it after collection. Each specimen definition belongs to one facility. Care does not share a specimen definition across facilities. Staff create an actual Specimen from a specimen definition.

Key Attributes​

ComponentsWhat it captures
TitleThe name of the specimen definition. This field is required.
SlugA short identifier that is unique in the facility. This field is required.
DescriptionAn explanation of the purpose of the specimen definition. This field is required.
StatusThe current state of the specimen definition. This field is required.
Derived From URIThe web address of the definition that this specimen definition is based on. This field is optional.
Type CollectedThe kind of specimen to collect, for example blood or urine. This field is required.
Patient PreparationThe instructions that the patient follows before collection, for example fasting. This field is optional.
CollectionThe preferred collection method, for example a finger-prick. This field is optional.
Type TestedThe container and handling requirements for the specimen. This field is optional.

Type Tested​

Type Tested holds the requirements that keep the specimen usable after collection. It records the preference, the container details, the retention time, and the handling requirements. It also records if the tested specimen comes from another specimen, and if the laboratory uses the specimen one time only.

Status​

StatusDescription
DraftStaff prepare the specimen definition. It is not ready for use.
ActiveStaff can use the specimen definition. The specimen definitions list shows Active definitions by default.
RetiredStaff no longer use the specimen definition. Care keeps the record.