Specimen Requirements

Capillary specimens collected in a BD MICROTAINER® MAP microtube must be tested within 4 hours of collection.

Draw blood in a lavender-top (K2-EDTA) tube(s). For pediatric specimen, draw a full, pink top (K2-EDTA) BD MICROTAINER® MAP microtube. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of draw and the phlebotomist’s initials. Invert 6 times to mix blood. Send 2 mL of EDTA whole blood refrigerated.

*Collection tube must be filled to ½ of its intended total volume to ensure adequate blood to anticoagulant ratio. 

Specimen stability:   4 hours at room temperature or refrigerated
                                    

Minimum volume:    500 µL

Specimen rejection criteria:
Clotted blood
Specimens that are >4 hours old
Collection tube is less than one-half its intended volume
Improper patient identification