Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

• If specimen being drawn may result in a transfusion, patient must be wearing an identification bracelet. A Typenex® (Fenwal) identification band must be completed and placed on patient’s left wrist at time of draw.
• All specimens must be completely labeled in accordance with the American Association of Blood Banks’ (AABB) requirements.
• If specimen is spun down, label appropriately (plasma or serum) and send along with RBCs.

EDTA Whole Blood (Preferred Specimen Type)

• Draw a full, lavender-top (EDTA) tube, 5 ml or 9 mL
• Send the unprocessed EDTA whole blood refrigerated.
• Do not centrifuge.
• Forward unprocessed whole blood promptly.
• If there is a delay in transport of ≥6 hours, spin down and send plasma and RBCs refrigerated.

Whole Blood

• Draw a full, plain, red-top tube
• Send 7 mL of unprocessed whole blood refrigerated.
• Do not centrifuge.
• Forward unprocessed whole blood promptly.
• If there is a delay in transport of ≥6 hours, spin down and send serum and RBCs refrigerated.