Using the Pneumatic Tube System (PTS)

Specimens from HMC facilities can be transported through the PTS if available. Please follow HMC Pneumatic Tube System policy for packaging and transport of such specimens.

The following specimens are NOT suitable for transport by the PTS and should always be delivered by hand to the laboratory:

• Arterial Blood Gases Samples
• Abdominal Fluids
• Amniotic Fluids
• Ascites / Peritoneal Fluids
• Bile Fluids
• Blood components-All
• Blood culture specimens
• Blood or Blood Products (Used or Unused units)
• Bone Marrow
• Bronchio-Alveolar Lavages
• Cerebral spinal Fluid (CSF)
• Cord Blood Specimens
• Cytology Specimens / Slides
• Cytotoxic Specimens
• Dialysate containers
• Endotracheal Aspirates
• Fine Needle Aspirate
• Frozen Tissues
• Gastric Fluids
• Hemodialysis Water
• Histopathology Specimens
• Iced and/or Warmed Specimens
• Lavages or Washings
• Pleural Fluids
• Respiratory Specimens
• Semen
• Stool Specimens
• Synovial Fluids
• Syringes and Needles
• Tissues, Biopsies or Bones
• Tracheal Aspirate
• Urine Specimens including 24 hours urine collection specimens
• Viral Transport Media (VTM) Swabs