Specimen Requirements

Peripheral blood smear and EDTA whole blood are required.

A history/diagnosis of the patient is required.

Specimen Type: Peripheral blood from fingerstick or venipuncture

Container/Tube: Glass slides in plastic slide container

Specimen Volume: Slides and instrument printout or slides and EDTA sample

Collection Instructions:

1. Stained or unstained peripheral blood smears can be made from capillary or EDTA tube.

2. Using a lead pencil, label frosted end of slides with patient’s full name (first and last).
3. Prepare with a “feathered edge”; should be no more than a single cell thick. Allow to air dry.
4. Label plastic slide container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, and date and actual time of collection.

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 5 mL

Additional Information: 

1. Please submit reason for doing smear review. Be as specific as possible.

2. If unable to send EDTA sample, submit a copy of CBC/Diff results

3. 3 properly made labeled unstained smears