Specimen Requirements

Specimen Collection: Blood

Container(s): 6 mL Pink Top (EDTA) or 3 mL Lavender Top (EDTA)

Preferred Volume to Collect: 6.0 mL

Minimum Volume to Collect: 1.0 mL

Neonate Volume to Collect: 0.5 mL

Capillary collect ok? No*

Microtainer acceptable: No*

* Acceptable if unable to obtain a venipuncture.

Collection Instructions:

• Gently invert EDTA tube(s) 8 - 10 times after collection.
• BB 2 SIGNERS: Specimens for Blood Bank must have 2 signatures on the specimen written in ink that is resistant to smearing:
  • User ID's or initials of collectors/witnesses
    • Outpatient collection: The patient may serve as witness and initial the tube label.
    • Policytech reference #6476
  • Specimen must be labeled in the presence of the patient with:
    • Patient's first and last name
    • Unique identification number (MRN)
    • Date of collection
  • If there is any question as to the validity of the specimen identification or an inconsistency between current and previous results, a new specimen must be collected.

Processing Instructions (Laboratory, Outpatient or Off-site collection)

Processed Specimen: Whole Blood EDTA

Centrifuge/Spin: No

Aliquot: No

Transport Temperature: Ambient or Refrigerate