Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Whole blood and smears

Collection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA) and glass slides

Specimen Volume: 5 mL EDTA, 2 thin smears, 2 thick smears

Note:  CBC results must accompany this order.  If not provided, a CBC will be performed at an additional charge.

Collection Instructions:

1. Prepare smears from fingerstick or drops of blood from needle following venipuncture.  There should be no contact with any type of anticoagulant.

2. To prepare blood films, use only clean, grease-free slides.

Thin Blood Films (Submit 2 slides)
1. Prepare slide with a “feathered edge”.  It should be no more than a single cell thick.

2. Allow slide to thoroughly air dry.

3. Place slide in plastic slide container.
4. Submit any foreign travel history.