Familiarisation with Pathology Laboratory Services on the availability of the types of tests in the different disciplines, laboratory operating hours, laboratory collection service, types of emergency/stat tests and many others would be very useful prior to placing test requests.

Specimens are to be submitted together with authorised Test Request Forms or electronic requisition, or written requests with authorised requestor's name. Self-referral by patient or direct to consumer testing will not be accepted. 

If Test Request Forms are used, please use the correct test request form to accompany the patient’s sample so that it can reach the appropriate laboratory without unnecessary delay. Tick the appropriate box/boxes on the request form. To order tests that are not listed on the form, write the name of the test in the space marked "Miscellaneous" or "Others".

 "REQUEST FOR LABORATORY SERVICES" form can be used for private referrals (e.g. by General Practitoners).

All information requested in the form should be given as this is essential for proper processing of samples and correct interpretation of test results. The following forms are used in Singapore General Hospital when requesting for various laboratory tests.

Please print all information clearly and legibly on all test request forms.

Correct spelling of patient’s name and other biodata given are essential to ensure that the specimen collected and received by the laboratory comes from the correct patient.

The patient’s exact location should be stated clearly so that the laboratory can communicate promptly with the relevant referring clinic/ward/department/hospital should the need arise.

Non-hospital or clinic clients should include the name, address and telephone number of their organisation. An e-mail address and Fax number should be included if available for alternative means of communication. It is important to include the name of the contact person in the organisation for the return of reports, and the name and contact number/e-mail address of the requesting doctor for discussion of the case if this is needed.

This information is important for the laboratory to contact the relevant physician/authorised requestor when necessary. The MCR number of the requesting physician should be included if hard copy test request is used. The specimen may be rejected if the requesting physician's name is not given.

Identify the specimen source by indicating the specific body site from which specimen had been taken.

Persons who coordinate the collection of specimens at sites remote to the SGH Campus must be aware that there are tests that have unique or stringent requirements and are therefore not suitable for collection outside the SGH Campus or other SingHealth institutions. Such specimens, if collected, will be rejected. Please refer to the following tables for specimens that can/cannot be collected at SingHealth Polyclinics and by Alternative Phlebotomists, respectively.

A consent form must be completed for all alternative phlebotomy services, to be signed by the phlebotomist and the patient. For patients under 21 years of age, or patients who lack the capacity to give consent, a separate consent form needs to be completed and signed by the phlebotomist and the patient’s legal representative. Specimens collected by alternative phlebotomy service and not accompanied by the appropriate consent forms will not be accepted.

The actual date and time of specimen collection should be indicated for proper evaluation of test results.

Clearly indicate this on the test request. Make sure that the telephone numbers of the named person to whom results should be given are provided.

Private medical practitioners, contractual clients and other private organisations will receive our bills monthly for all the different types of tests done. Payment can be made by cheques.

Payment from regional clients can be made via bank draft or telegraphic transfer. A remittance advice should be sent to inform us. All payment must be made in Singapore dollars and bank charges are to be borne by clients.