Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation: None

Container/Tube  
Preferred: Lavender-top (EDTA) tube
Acceptable: Lavender-top (EDTA) samplette/microtainer
Collection Volume: 

Submission Container/Tube: If specimen is coming from outside facility, send whole blood in original collection container.
Special Instructions:

1. Immediately invert tube gently 8-10 times after collection to ensure proper mixing of blood and anticoagulant (this will avoid specimen clotting). Do not overfill tube. 
2. Specimen will expire 3 days from date of collection, with the date of draw being the day zero (this is for specimens on patients >4 months of age).
3. Date and Time of collection are required on specimen label.
4. Specimen must be labeled with either a PPID label, chart or non-computer generated label including patient's name, hospital registration number, and date of birth.
5. Non-PPID labeled specimens must be signed by person collecting specimen.