Specimen:

Plasma

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

Adults:  A filled 6 mL tube
Pediatrics:  A filled 3 mL tube
4 months-1 year:  1 mL in a 3 mL lavender top tube
Neonates:  0.5 mL (full) lavender microtainer for patients 0-4 months.

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:

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Analytic Time:

1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference Range:

A negative result means that antiglobulin technique revealed no red
cell allo-antibodies using a broad selection of screening antigens.

Comments:

An antibody identification will be done automatically if the antibody 
screen is positive, unless the ordering physician specifically 
prohibits reflex testing.

Methodology:

tube or solid phase red cell adherence assay

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 of 
collection, refrigeration is not required.

CPT Code:

86850

See also:
Antibody Identification, Plasma