This document applies to the pre-analytical phase of all test material sent to a medical microbiological laboratory according to DIN EN 12128 for testing for bacteria and fungi. It specifies the minimum requirements for the quality of biological test material, for sampling and transport and gives reasons for possible non-treatment in the laboratory. This document does not apply to viruses and parasites. This document does not apply to mycobacteria. These are treated in DIN 58943-32 and DIN 58943-3 and -4.