Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Pink-top (EDTA) tube

Acceptable: Lavender-top (EDTA) tube
Specimen Volume: 1 mL of EDTA whole blood

Specimen Stability: An EDTA, hand labeled, specimen drawn within 3 days of testing is the

                                preferred specimen.  The sample should be tested as soon as possible

                                following collection.  If a delay in testing occurs, the sample should be stored 2-6 C. 

Collection Instructions: If the specimen is to be used for transfusion purposes is must be correctly

                                     hand labeled from the armband with patient's full name, inpatient hospital

                                     medical record number or B-Band number, time/date collected and tech

                                     code/initials.