Specimen Requirements

Submit one of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 4 mL

Additional Information: A smear will be made, stained, and returned to requesting physician or pathologist for review.

Specimen Type: Blood

Container/Tube: Slide

Specimen Volume: 1 slide

Collection Instructions:

1. Submit 1 well-prepared, thin blood smear on a clean, grease-free slide.

2. Prepare with a “feathered edge.” Smear should be no more than a single cell thick.

3. Do not fix. Allow smear to thoroughly air dry.

4. Label slide with patient’s full name (first and last) and date and time of collection.

5. Place slide in plastic slide holder.

Note: Include report from CBCDIFF Complete Blood Count (CBC), with Automated Differential, Blood. If report is not available, draw and submit blood for CBCDIFF.