Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Acceptable Specimens:

Arterial blood

Preferred:

Heparinized Syringe

Draw 2 mL of blood in a 3-mL heparinized syringe or a minimum of 0.5 mL of blood in a 1-mL heparinized syringe. Expel any air bubbles. Use gauze or tissue to absorb the excess blood.  Cap the syringe immediately and mix by rolling the syringe between the palms for 15 seconds. Forward to laboratory the laboratory within 30 minutes.

Note:

1. Indicate arterial or venous blood on request form.

2. Label syringe with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of draw, and type of specimen (arterial or venous blood).

Alternate:

VACUTAINER®

Draw a full, green-top (heparin) tube. Mix by gently inverting 8 times. Forward promptly to laboratory.

Note:

1. Indicate arterial or venous blood on request form.

2. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of draw, and type of specimen (arterial or venous blood).

Capillary Tube

Collect blood in a capillary tube. Tube must be full. Mix by rolling capillary tube between palms for 15 seconds. Forward promptly to laboratory. Specimen must be recieved in the laboratory within 30 minutes of draw. 

Note:

1. Indicate capillary blood on request form.

2. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of draw, and type of specimen (capillary blood).