Blood

Pink top tube 6 mL (K2-EDTA)

Adults (18 years and older): Full 6 mL Pink top tube
Pediatrics (1 year through 17 years old): Full 3 mL Lavender top tube
Pediatrics (4 months up to 1 year old): 1 mL in a 3 mL Lavender tube
Neonates (0 through 3 months old): 0.5 mL in Lavender Microtainer^®

If these age/container guidelines are not followed, it will result in a rejected sample and a new one will have to be collected.

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

1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)

A Type and Screen order includes Blood Type (ABO and Rh) and 
Antibody Screen.  A Type and Screen must be requested every three days 
for Red Blood Cell transfusion.  This request is also appropriate for 
patients for whom blood is not likely to be required, but for whom 
blood must be available quickly to treat potential blood loss.

Specimen labeling procedure must be followed.

Minimum information on Patient Bar Code:
   Patient's last name and first name
   Patient's medical record number

Minimum information on paper requisition during downtime:
Patient's last name and first name
Patient's medical record number
Phlebotomist and witness last and first name
Date and Time specimen was drawn


Multiple concurrent specimens:
All specimens labeled as above requirement.

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

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.

Room temperature or refrigerate if stored overnight.

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 room temperature.

See also:
Antibody Screen, Plasma
Blood Type (ABO and Rh), Blood