Specimen Requirements

Draw blood in a 6-mL pink-top (EDTA) tube(s). Additional tubes should be collected when patient has known antibody problems. When a 6-mL pink-top tube cannot be collected, collect 3 full EDTA (pink or lavender-top) MICROTAINERS®. For pediatric specimen, draw a 2-mL lavender-top (EDTA) tube(s). Label specimen with patient’s full name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of draw, phlebotomist’s initials, and medical record number (MR# not required, if not available for office/home collection).

Specimen stability:  Testing in less than 24 hours is preferred. If testing is delayed, the specimen is stable for 3 days refrigerated at 2-8°C. 

Minimum volume:    1.5 mL whole blood (3 full) MICROTAINERS® (Additional testing may require more blood to be collected.)

Specimen rejection criteria:  Hemolyzed or improperly labeled specimen's are not acceptable.