Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Lavender-top EDTA whole blood

Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Collection Instructions:

If possible, make 2 thin blood smears and 2 thick blood smears from fingerstick or drops of blood from needle following venipuncture.  The lavender-top EDTA tube of blood may be used, but smears must be made within 1 hour of draw.  To prepare blood films, use only clear, grease-free slides.  EDTA whole blood specimen and slides should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible.

Thin Blood Films

1. Prepare with a “feathered edge;” should be no more than a single cell thick.

A. If blood is from a fingerstick, wipe off first drop of blood, then touch a clean, glass slide to a small drop of blood. Remove slide from finger. Turn slide “blood side” up. Using a second clean slide, pull and move blood to produce a feathered thin film. Make several slides and allow films to thoroughly air dry.

B. If slides are made from a lavender-top (EDTA) tube, place a drop of blood on a clean, glass slide. Using a second clean slide, pull and move blood to produce a feathered thin film. Make several slides and allow films to thoroughly air dry.

2. Label slides with patient’s name.

3. Place slides in plastic slide holder.

Thick Blood Films

1. Place a large drop of blood (preferably from a fingerstick) on a slide. Using a corner of a second slide, spread drop by literally scratching carrier slide to make blood adhere. Thickness of smear should allow newsprint to be read through it. Do not fix; allow films to thoroughly air dry.

2. Label slides with patient’s name.

3. Place slides in plastic slide holder.