Specimen Requirements

Whole blood must arrive within 2 hours of draw.

Container/Tube: Light blue-top (3.2% buffered sodium citrate, with yellow-striped label) tube

Specimen Volume: Full tube-Grossly hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.

Collection Instructions: Forward promptly in original tube.

Note:

1. It is imperative that tube is completely filled.

2. Ratio of blood to anticoagulant is critical for valid coagulation results.

3. If specimen will arrive at Logan Health Medical Center Laboratory >2 hours after draw, process specimen as follows:

A. Spin for 10 minutes at 3,500 rpm (1,500 g).

B. Remove plasma from cells and place in a clean, plastic vial.