Tube Type:
Purple top (EDTA) tube: Whole Blood
Collection Volume:
2.0 mL (minimum 0.3 mL) and 2 fresh smears
Cause for Rejection:
Specimen hemolyzed, clotted, diluted with IV fluid; drawn with heparin or contaminated with heparin; improperly prepared blood smears, specimens at room temperature >8 hours, specimens refrigerated >24 hours.
Methodology:
Impedance measurement with Optical Flow light scatter and fluorescent measurements and microscopic evaluation of a Wright's stained blood film
Special Instructions:
Indicate clearly if a specimen has been drawn from an arterial line or from a line that has been rinsed with heparin.