Specimen:

Blood

Collection Medium:

Alternate
Collection Media:

Lavender top tube (EDTA)

Minimum:

0.5 ml; pink top

Rejection Criteria:

Specimen must be labeled with patient's first and last name and medical 
record number.  Specimens will be rejected if information is not on the 
label when received.

Testing
Schedule:

0700-1400 Monday through Friday.

Analytic Time:

24 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference Range:

Red cell antigens are tested with antisera to determine phenotype.

Methodology:

Tube test, direct or antiglobulin

Sample
Processing:

Invert tube gently several times to mix blood.
Label transport tube with patient last name, first name, identification 
number, date and time of collection.
Do Not Centrifuge.
Submit whole blood in original container.

Sample
Storage:

Room temperature or refrigerate if stored overnight.

Transport
Instructions:

Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
Place specimen into styrofoam container, seal container.
Ship at ambient temperature.

Instructions:

If specimen will be received in the laboratory within 24 hours, 
refrigeration is not required.

CPT Code:

86905