Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Capillary

Collect blood in a lavender-top (EDTA) MICROTAINER, and send 0.5 mL of EDTA blood. (Clotted or hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.)

Note: 1. Indicate capillary blood.

2. Label specimen appropriately (capillary blood).

Venous

Draw blood in a lavender-top (EDTA) tube, and send 4 mL of EDTA blood. (Clotted or hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.)

Note: 1. Indicate venous blood.

2. Label specimen appropriately (venous blood).

Stability

Reticulocytes specimens are stable for 4 hours at room temperature, and 72 hours at 2 - 8° Celsius.