Specimen Requirements

Instructions for Patient Caregiver:

1. Temporarily discontinue transfusion by closing off valve on infusion set. Keep line open in case physician orders intravenous (IV) medication.

2. Call physician immediately, give detailed report, and inquire if transfusion should be completely stopped.

3. Call Transfusion Service (extension 55715) immediately and give detailed report.

4. Collect next voided urine for laboratory testing.

5. Label specimens “Post-Transfusion Reaction Specimen.”

6. Laboratory will collect blood specimen immediately.

7. Blood bag should be preserved with all attached labels and fluid bags and secured so cultures may be taken.

8. Send to Transfusion Service immediately.

Blood and urine are required.

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 6 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Label specimen appropriately (whole blood post-transfusion reaction specimen).

2. Plasma gel tube is not acceptable.

3. Specimen cannot be frozen.

Specimen Type: Urine, random

Container/Tube: Plastic urine container

Specimen Volume: 10 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. No preservative.

2. Label specimen appropriately (routine urinalysis as part of post-transfusion reaction work up).