Specimen Requirements

Whole blood and plasma are required.

Specimen Type: Whole blood for platelet count

Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 2.5mL

Microtainer (0.3 ml)

Collection Instructions: Label specimen appropriately (whole blood for platelet count).

Specimen Type: Plasma for APTT, PT/INR, TT, and HAXA

Container/Tube: Light-blue top or dark blue top (3.2% sodium citrate)

Specimen Volume: 1.8 ml or 2.7 ml  3.2% Na Citrate tube

Collection Instructions:

1. Draw a full tube. This tube must be second tube drawn.

2. Centrifuge for 10 minutes at 3,000 rpm.

3. Label specimen appropriately (plasma for APTT, PT/INR, HAXA, and TT).

4. If there is a delay in transport of >2 hours, aliquot, freeze plasma immediately at -20° C and send specimen frozen in plastic vial.