Collect
Fluid should be collected in a syringe and transferred immediately to a heparin green top tube.
Specimen Preparation
Onsite [NJH]: Transport to lab within 1 hour.
Preferred volume: 1 mL
Pediatric Collection
Minimum volume: 1mL
Unacceptable Conditions
Specimen not transferred to heparin green top will clot. Count cannot be performed on clotted specimen.
Storage Transport Temp
Offsite: Specimens should be sent within 2 hours of collection on a cold pack in an insulated container.
Stability
2 hours at RT (15-25°C)
24 hours Refrigerated (2-8°C)
Notes
Acceptable fluid types are: Synovial and pleural.