Specimen:

Blood

Minimum:

Minimum of 6 mls whole blood in one or two of the following container 
types.
		
   Send two tubes with 3 mls whole blood in 3 ml lavender 15% EDTA
   container (Hosp Stores order #907688).

   Send two tubes with 4 mls whole blood in 4 ml lavender 15% EDTA
   container (Hosp Stores order #907691).

   Send one tube with 6 mls whole blood in 6 ml pink 15% EDTA
   container (Hosp Stores order #907692).

Testing
Schedule:

0800-1630 Monday through Friday.

Analytic Time:

24 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)

Comments:

Useful in patients with a low white blood cell count when suspecting
Sezary Syndrome. Sezary cells are more easily seen in a buffy coat
preparation displaying morphologic characteristics.

Methodology:

Staining and microscopic examination.

Instructions:

If the EDTA tube cannot be transported to arrive the same day as drawn, 
buffy coat smears of the blood must be prepared at the submitting 
institution.  Submit unfixed, unstained smears.  EDTA blood can be 
submitted if it will arrive prior to 3:30 pm on the same day as drawn.

CPT Code:

85009