Preferred Specimen(s) 3 ml Whole blood full EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Instructions Maintain specimen at room temperature. If multiple draw, collect EDTA (lavender-top) tube last. Traumatic tap can introduce thromboplastin and trap WBC and platelets. Refrigeration can precipitate fibrin and trap WBC and platelets. Do not refrigerate.
Transport Container EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Transport Temperature Room temperature
Reject Criteria
- Hemolysis
- Clotted
- Received frozen
Methodology Electronic Cell Sizing, Sorting/Cytometry/Microscopy
Clinical Significance: Usual method for determining anemia. Used to calculate indices.