Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Whole blood
Tube fill capacity
0.5 mL (500 µL for pediatric microtainer capillary tubes; fill tube to capacity.) (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube
Invert tube 8 to 10 times immediately after tube is filled at the time of collection.
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Temperature
Period
Room temperature
1 day
Refrigerated
3 days
Frozen
Unstable
Freeze/thaw cycles
Hemolysis; clotted specimen; tube not filled with minimum volume; improper labeling; transport tubes with whole blood; specimen received with plasma removed; specimen diluted or contaminated with IV fluid; specimen drawn in any anticoagulant other than EDTA
Evaluate anemia, blood loss, hydration or suspected polycythemic condition, and response to treatment
Hyperlipemic plasma (especially Fredrickson and Lees type I and V in which chylomicronemia is present) or white count >50,000/mm³ may falsely elevate the hemoglobin result with corresponding increase in the MCH. The laboratory will attempt to correct this interference by a special technique.
Automated cell counter
