Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Whole blood

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

Specimen Volume: 6 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 3 mL

Collection Instructions:  Do not centrifuge. Forward unprocessed whole blood promptly.

Additional Information:

1. If the specimen being drawn may result in a possible transfusion, the patient must be banded. 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:

1.  Gel tube

2.  Hemolyzed samples

3.  Improperly labeled specimens