Specimen Requirements

Note: Both a banded specimen from the mother and newborn is required.​

Specimen Type: Cord blood or whole blood (Newborn)

Container/Tube: Pink top preferred (K₂ EDTA), Purple top,  or Cord Blood red top

Specimen Volume: Full tube

Specimen Minimum Pediatric Volume: 1 full, lavender-top (EDTA) Microtainer

Collection Instructions:

1. Do not centrifuge. Forward unprocessed whole blood promptly.

2. Label specimen as follows prior to leaving patient’s side. Using a computer-generated hospital label, or ballpoint pen (press firmly), fill out Blood Bank identification band as follows:
a. Patient’s full name
b. Patient’s date of birth

c. Date and time of draw
d. Phlebotomist’s initials
3. Place 1 label on “Patient Information Here” part of wristband. Remove backing and seal with clear tape.
4. Attach wristband to patient.
5. Remove label from wristband at “Place Label on Tube Lengthwise” and attach to tube. Place second patient label over wristband label, leaving barcode and number visible.
6. Detach barcode stickers from wristband. Remove backs of yellow tabs and attach to tube. Forward promptly. 

Specimen Rejection: Gel tube

Specimen Type: Whole blood (Mother)

Container/Tube: Pink top preferred (K₂ EDTA), or Purple top

Specimen Volume: 6 mL

Collection Instructions:  Patient and specimen must be banded.  Do not centrifuge. Forward unprocessed whole blood promptly.

Additional Information:

1. Specimen being drawn may result in a possible transfusion. Patient must be wearing an identification bracelet. Blood Bank identification band must be completed and placed on patient’s wrist at time of specimen draw. If the patitent has no historical blood type at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, a second draw by a second phlebotomist may be required for transfusion.
2. Identify patient by asking them to state their name. If patient cannot identify himself or herself, find someone who can positively identify patient.
3. Label specimen as follows prior to leaving patient’s side. Using a computer-generated hospital label, or ballpoint pen (press firmly), fill out Blood Bank identification band as follows:
a. Patient’s full name
b. Patient’s date of birth

c. Date and time of draw
d. Phlebotomist’s initials
4. Place 1 label on “Patient Information Here” part of wristband. Remove backing and seal with clear tape.
5. Attach wristband to patient.
6. Remove label from wristband at “Place Label on Tube Lengthwise” and attach to tube. Place second patient label over wristband label, leaving barcode and number visible.
7. Detach barcode stickers from wristband. Remove backs of yellow tabs and attach to tube. Forward promptly. 

8. If specimen is spun down, label vial as plasma or serum and send along with RBCs in original tube.

Specimen Rejection: Gel tube