Three specimens total: One 4 mL lavender top tube (EDTA), one 6 mL pink top tube (EDTA), and one 7.5 mL serum separator tube (SST) or one 5 mL red top tube.
Handling:
Allow 7.5 mL SST or 5 mL red top tube to clot, centrifuge and separate serum from cells immediately. Do not centrifuge or separate 6 mL pink top tube. Refrigerate and transport specimens within 24 hours of collection. Print patient’s full name and birthdate on tube. Do not cover original label if it contains handwritten information.
Standard Volume:
4 mL EDTA whole blood, 2 mL serum, and 6 mL whole blood collected in 6 mL pink top tube.
Minimum Volume:
1 mL EDTA whole blood, 0.75 mL serum, and 3 mL whole blood collected in 6 mL pink top tube.
Transport:
Refrigerated.
Comments:
WBC and platelet count may decline after 24 hours; 48 hours maximum delay.
Rejection Criteria:
Gross hemolysis; clotting of lavender top tube; incorrect or incomplete labeling; discrepancy between requisition and specimen label.