Pneumatic Tube System:The pneumatic tube provides a primary means of transport for inpatient units, intensive care units, Department of Emergency Medicine, Operating/Recovery Rooms, Internal Medicine Clinic, Hematology/Oncology Clinic, and the laboratory.  Specimen container lids/covers/caps must be tightly secured.  Specimens must be transported in clean secondary containers; e.g., biohazard specimen bags, Ziploc® bags, etc.  Foam transport liners must be used in the carriers to prevent breakage and unnecessary jarring.  Extra padding may be necessary when transporting a breakable item.  Items must be completely contained in the carrier.  The carriers must be securely closed.  Carriers that appear contaminated must be cleaned and disinfected prior to use. Contamination to the pneumatic tube system at Henry Ford Hospital must be reported immediately to the Maintenance Control Department at (313) 916-1414.

Transport of Blood Cultures: Place both blood culture bottles in a biohazard transport bag. Seal the bag and confirm closure. Place the EPIC Order Sheet or ordering documents in the outside pocket. Place blood cluture package in the pneumatic tube capsule and send to station 123.

Items that cannot be delivered via pneumatic tube: Items weighing more that 2.5 pounds and 24 hour urine collection containers.

CSF specimens: All CSF specimens regardless of the tests ordered must be delivered, preferably by hand, to the Laboratory for accessioning and distribution.

Specimen pick-up and Delivery Service: Laboratory Support Services staff provides specimen pick-up service for the Detroit campus clinics and delivery service to various Department of Pathology laboratories and Special Function laboratories at regular intervals.

Courier Service: A courier service is available for specimen pick-up from the Henry Ford Medical Centers and affiliate hospitals. Driver Directions for STAT Cab Service to HFH

Results: Laboratory Results are available in the laboratory information system with immediate transfer via interface to the Epic EMR.  Copies of reports are available for physicians and medical records or by calling the Laboratory Customer Service Center.