Customized Collection Devices

Specimen Collection Forms

Parent Information Pamphlets

Envelopes

Custom printing
Whatman offers customized collection devices for use in large sampling studies. Specimen collection papers enable researchers and clinicians to obtain samples for analysis from a wide range of sources.

Regardless of where a sample is collected, information about the sample must be recorded and cataloged for each sample. Whatman custom printed forms are designed with this function in mind.

Whatman can develop individually designed collection matrices which can be used as a single-part form or incorporated into multiple-part specimen collection forms

Custom collection device options
Whatman recommends that the following information be included on a custom 903 card as recommended by CLSI. This is to ensure that your laboratory is compliant with the CLSI recommendations. Information below is taken from the CLSI document (LA4-A5, Vol. 27, No. 20): Blood Collection on Filter Paper for Newborn Screening Programs; Approved Standard-Fifth Edition.

Minimum preprinted information
The following is the minimum necessary demographic information required to achieve the screening goals. Additional information may be included at the discretion of the screening programs in order to meet specific needs. Consult local regulations and institutional policies for deviations from minimum preprinted information.

• Infant’s last name (first if available)
• Mother’s first and last name (optional: include mother's maiden name)
• Sex
• Birth date (optional: include time of birth)
• Date of specimen collection
• Infant’s age (indicate if less than 24 hours; optional: include time of collection)
• Patient identification number (e.g., medical record number; optional: include address and phone number)
• Birth weight
• Submitter’s identification and address (optional: include birth facility)
• Physician's name (healthcare provider) and telephone number
• Name of Newborn Screening Program and address
• Individual nonrepeating serial number
• Expiration date of specimen collection device
• Appropriate number of preprinted circles should be available with preprinted broken- or dotted-line circles on one side of the filter paper section (with optional printing of circles on both sides). (In the United States, the preprinted circle (1/2 inch [13 mm] internal diameter) is filled to the printed line by 75 µl of blood while 100 µl fills slightly beyond the print.)
• Manufacturer and lot number of filter paper indicated on the filter paper section, and manufacturer or printer listed on the patient information section of the form (optional: bar codes may be imprinted on the specimen collection device)

Whatman also recommends that the expiration date is printed on the card as per the CLSI recommendations.

Shelf life
The printed collection device (card) for newborn screening has a shelf life of three years. When cards are removed from the shipping carton, they should be stored in their original wrapping and stacked in a manner that avoids compressing the filter paper. Compression of the filter paper will alter its performance characteristics.

Sequential numbering
Forms can be provided with sequential numbering for tracking and identification.

Cassette format
Custom cassette formats are suited for automated processing.

Dual paper specimen collection cards
With increasing frequency, Newborn Screening Programs and diagnostics companies are doing both protein-based and molecular testing from the same blood spots, often in different laboratories. To assist in this process, Whatman has developed a variety of sample collection card designs that incorporate two pieces of filter paper, one sheet of FTA and two sheets of 903. In order to ensure accuracy of identification, the papers can be bar coded. This is not an in vitro diagnostic device.

Bar codes
Forms can be provided with bar coding on the demographic portion of the form and/or directly on the specimen collection paper in any bar code format that can print alphanumeric characters (letters, digits, and some special symbols). Data integrity is fortified by the use of modulus check digit characters.

OCR-scannable format
Whatman can use special inks for printing forms that are invisible to optical character recognition (OCR) scanners, ensuring that scanners will detect only the variable demographic information.

Parent information sheets/pamphlets
Parent information sheets that are part of the neonatal collection device and include the device numbers can be provided as the first part of a multiple-part form. Alternatively, detailed parent information pamphlets can be glued to the form.

Transfer or mailing envelopes
Whatman can provide custom envelopes for mailing of samples to the central laboratory, for sending a screening form home with the parent for follow-up sampling, or sending samples to separate laboratories for non-standard screening tests, e.g., for DNA testing or supplemental screening. These envelopes are frequently color-coded.

Hearing section
It is possible to add a section to a form for hearing test results. This puts all the screening results together in a database under a single control number.

Tip-ons
This is an economical alternative to using a full sheet of collection paper. Whatman can attach a small piece of 903 filter paper onto the end of a form, minimizing costs while ensuring high-quality results.

Color coding
Custom printed forms can be color-coded to simplify form distribution before and after sample collection and to readily identify samples that require nonstandard or supplemental testing.

Colored inks and papers
Forms can be printed in colored inks and/or screen tints as well as your choice of colored papers.

Multiple-part forms
Printing of up to 8-part forms offers convenience and maintains integrity of information on all parts.

Wraparound covers
Offering a variety of wraparound covers to ensure long-term sample integrity. Some of the options include 28-pound paper, translucent glassine or clear moisture-proof barrier.

Custom packaging
A specified coding system can be printed on every package, carton and shipping box. Outside cartons can be labeled to reflect the sequential numbering of the forms enclosed.

Snap-apart format
903 specimen collection paper is protected prior to use. After sample application, the cover folds over and tucks into the flap in ‘matchbook’ fashion.