Identification of specimen

The proper identification of specimens is of obvious importance to the validity of a study. Because of the size or nature of the material, some types of specimens (e.g., paraffin blocks and microscopic slides) do not lend themselves to labeling for all the items listed in 58.130(c). In such cases the use of an alternative identification (e.g., accession numbers) is acceptable as long as the alternate identification can be translated into the required information. 

Laboratories employ a wide variety of methods for dealing with the accession and identification of specimens and related documents. It is not possible to cover every alternative, and the following description is based on a summary of the practice in this laboratory. 

The simplest identification of specimens for laboratory purposes has proved to be a serial number allocated to them in order of their arrival. The chances of error are reduced if the number of times the identification number has to be written are kept to a minimum, and this can be achieved by having available at the reception desk a reel of perforated gummed paper from which may be torn an appropriate number (e.g., six) of small labels for each new specimen, these labels all having the same number. Labels are stuck immediately on the request form and the specimen container, both of which can then pursue their separate paths through the laboratory, simply and unequivocally identified (W4). The spare labels accompany the specimen and can be used whenever some of it is transferred to a fresh container, or for numbering a bench work sheet. 

Supported by the Naval Ship Research and Development Center, Annapolis, Maryland, t DSA, dodecenyl succinic anhydride BDMA, benzyldimethylamine NMA, nadic methyl anhydride. The use of trade names in no way implies endorsement or approval by NBS and is included only to assure complete identification of specimen materials. 

Second, to serve as a clearing house for workers in systematic zoology, for the exchange of pertinent information and concepts, the identification of specimens, and the advancement of the study of systematic zoology. 

Other means of identification can be used on specimens exposed to atmospheric corrosion. For example, where stamped letters cannot be expected to persist, identification may be provided by holes drilled in particular positions, or by notching the edges of specimens in particular places both in accordance with a template. Where severe corrosion is encountered, the identification by drilled holes is more permanent than that achieved by notching edges. 

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