Collect
Whole blood in a Lavender top tube [EDTA].
Specimen Preparation
Onsite [NJH]: Transport to lab within 1 hour.
Do not centrifuge.
Preferred volume: 4 mL whole blood
Pediatric Collection
Minimum volume: 1 mL whole blood
Unacceptable Conditions
Clotted specimens will be rejected.
Storage Transport Temp
Offsite: Send whole blood Priority Overnight via FedEx and in a well insulated container on an ice pack. DO NOT freeze sample.
Specimen must be received in the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
Stability
Stability after cell separation
4 hours at RT (15-25°C)
24 hours refrigerated at (2-8°C)
4 weeks frozen at ≤ - 20°C
Notes
Make sure light blue top tube is filled properly to assure proper ratio of anticoagulant to whole blood.