Specimen Requirements

 Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

PREFERRED:

Pink-Top Tube

Container/Tube: Pink-top (EDTA tube) - Plain, red-top tube or serum gel tube is not acceptable.

Specimen Volume: 6mL of whole blood (minimum volume: Contact Blood Bank)

Collection Instructions: Forward promptly in original tube(s).

Alternate:

Lavender-Top Tube

Container/Tube: Lavender-top (EDTA) tube(s)-Plain, red-top tube or serum gel tube is not acceptable.

Specimen Volume: 3 mL to 4 mL of whole blood (minimum volume: Contact Blood Bank)

Collection Instructions: Forward promptly in original tube(s).

Unacceptable:

1. Hemolyzed Specimens
2. Mislabeled or unlabeled Specimens
3. Illegible specimen labels - NO GEL PENS

NOTE:

1. Include report of diagnosis and history of transfusions, pregnancy, and drug therapy.
2. Specimen being drawn may result in a possible transfusion. Specimen must be completely labeled as follows. 
3. Identify patient by asking them to state their name. If patient cannot identify himself or herself, find someone who can positively identify patient.
4. When labeling Blood Bank pre-transfusion specimens, use Mobilab or a two person patient identification verification. Include both the collector's mnemonics and the verifier's mnemonic on the specimen label.
5. Label specimen as follows prior to leaving patient’s side. Using a ballpoint pen (no gel).

• Patient’s full name
• Patient’s birthdate
• Date and time of draw
• Collector's mnemonic
• Verifier's mnemonic - not required if using Mobilab

Send labeled specimen to the laboratory.

* For 14 day specimens include a completed Outpatient/Pre-Admit Transfusion Medicine Identification (Blood Product) Form.

Forms:

1. Outpatient/Pre-Admission Transfusion Medicine Identification Form
2. See "Requisitions" in Special Instructions for a copy of the form.
3. Include - 
   • Patient’s full name
   • Patient’s birthdate
   • Date and time of draw
   • Collector's mneimonic
   • Verifier's mnemonic - not required if using Mobilab
   • Transfusion History