Guidelines prepared by Su Stenhouse DNA samples often need to be exchanged between laboratories. To avoid confusion and mistakes, a certain minimum amount of information should always be provided, both on the sample tube and on any accompanying paperwork.
Many laboratories send DNA samples with only their booking-in number on.
We would suggest that this is bad practice particularly if the number is hand-written. The committee has drawn up the following guidelines. These assume laboratories use some form of unique identifier such as Lab number and also collective family number where appropriate. At least 2 pieces of identifying information should be provided on every sample tube. Full name and date of birth if available, or full name and unique lab number should be used.