Instructions for taking and sending blood samples

General instructions for sending samples

In addition to these instructions, remember to always read the test-specific instructions as well.

The samples shall be marked according to the valid transportation instructions. Samples should preferably be delivered to the Blood Service from Mon to Fri between 8 am and 4 pm, but, if necessary, they will be received at all hours. The sender is responsible for the delivery of samples to the Blood Service.

Blood compatibility testing is performed during on-call hours on weekdays from 4 pm to 8 am and on weekends if the patient’s status so requires. Tissue compatibility testing related to organ transplantation is also performed during on-call hours. The testing laboratory should be informed in advance, by fax or telephone for example, about the mode and time of delivery in Vantaa of any samples sent as express delivery. In addition, the express delivery status must always be clearly marked on the referral and the package.

Recommended modes of delivery

By post

When sending samples, the currently valid postal regulations must be taken into account. Additional information on Posti’s website: Sending laboratory samples – Posti. We do not recommend leaving samples for carriage at postal services over the weekend.

By bus freight

Samples are sent as express freight, taking into account the opening hours of Matkahuolto. The consignment note for express freight is filled in according to Matkahuolto’s instructions. It is marked in the consignment note that the sender pays the delivery and express freight fees.

Customers using Matkahuolto’s on-line customer interface should select the following options: express freight as mode of delivery, delivery as additional service, and sender as payer of freight and delivery fees. Other information is filled in in accordance with Matkahuolto’s instructions.

In urgent cases, you can write “immediate delivery” on the consignment note (tel. +358 29 300 1001)”. Additional information: Matkahuolto.

By air freight

The customer makes an agreement on air freight delivery with the courier service it uses in such a manner that the freight is unloaded immediately upon arrival, and transportation from the airport to the Blood Service is included in the price. Additional information: Finnair.

Test-specific instructions in Finnish

• Aivokuolleen elinluovuttajan näytteet (HUS, kansalliset ohjeet elinluovuttajan hoidosta)
• Kudossopeutuvuustutkimusten näytteenotto-ohje
• Punasoluvasta-aineiden tunnistus, konsultaatiopyynnön lähetysohje
• Raskaudenaikaisten veriryhmä- ja veriryhmävasta-ainetutkimusten näytteenotto-ohje 
• Raskaudenaikaisten veriryhmä- ja veriryhmävasta-ainetutkimusten pakkausohje
• Veriryhmätutkimusten näytteenotto- ja lähetysohjeet