Preferred Specimen(s) 3 mL whole blood in EDTA vacutainer, fresh slide smear
Instructions Slide smear should be dry and thin
Transport Container EDTA Vial (lavender-top) tube
Transport Temperature Room temperature or Refrigerated; Stability 48 hrs
Reject Criteria
- Heparinized sample;
- Received frozen
Methodology Cell counter/Microscopic examination
Clinical Significance An automated blood analysis provides insights into medical conditions associated with changes in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The peripheral blood smear may be useful to describe morphologic abnormalities and leukemias.