Sample Requirements
INDEX
General Information
Sample Requirements - Processing Lab
Sample Requirements - Genetic Testing (NAT)
Sample Requirements - Special Procedures Lab
Labeling of Specimens
General Information
The quality and integrity of the sample submitted has a direct impact on the test results obtained. Therefore, it is imperative that samples submitted meet the specified sample requirements as outlined by the testing reagent manufacturer.
Samples should be submitted in a glass or plastic 6 or 7 mL size tube. Dimensions of the tube should measure 13 x 100 mm. All samples should be submitted in the appropriate size tube unless otherwise specified. Tubes must be submitted intact (unbroken) and unopened. Icteric, hemolyzed and lipemic samples are not recommended for sample submission as they may contribute to an inconsistent test result. Serum specimens should be allowed to clot in a vertical position. If the sample is to be frozen, the serum or plasma sample must be frozen in an upright position with the caps facing up and should not be filled to more than 75% capacity. Overfilled tubes can break or leak and will require submission of back-up samples. Multiple freeze-thaw cycles are not recommended.
In the event the quality or the integrity of a sample is questionable, or non-conformant, the submitting facility will be notified.
The following is a list of minimum volume sample requirements:
- Viral marker profile- 3 mL plasma
- NAT testing- 1 mL plasma or 3.5mL whole blood
- Ancillary Profile- 3 mL plasma/serum
- RPR testing
- SPE testing
- Opiate testing
- Total Protein
In the following pages, specific guidelines for sample requirements are outlined for the Processing Laboratory, Genetic Testing (NAT) Laboratory and the Special Procedures Laboratory.
Any questions regarding sample submission not outlined in this handbook should be addressed to the Customer Operations department.
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS(AUTOMATED PROCEDURES)
Refer to Package Insert for Appropriate Assay
(Click Here to go to Assay's)
In order to be acceptable for testing, samples should meet the following requirements:
- A readable bar code must be properly affixed to each sample tube.
- Samples must be submitted in the following size tubes:
- Whole Blood customers: 6 or 7 mL 13 x 100 mm EDTA tubes. Serum separator tubes are not acceptable.
- Tubes must be capped.
- Tubes must be intact (unbroken).
- Sample quantity must exceed 3.5 ml of whole blood.
- Samples should be free of gross hemolysis.
- Samples should be free of noticeable lipemia or bacterial contamination.
- Samples should appear normal in color.
If requirements 1-5 are not met, the sample cannot be tested. If requirements 6-8 are not met, processing will be performed at the discretion of the supervisor.
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS (Nucleic Acid Testing-Whole Blood)
| HIV-1/HCV |
Plasma |
N/A |
Clear, nonhemolyzed specimens should be used. Minimum volume 3.5 mL. Samples must be no older than 72 hours if stored at ≤25°c or older than 7 days when stored at 2-8°c. |
| |
| DAT (Direct Antiglobulin Test) |
One 5 or 7 mL EDTA tube (purple top) |
10 days |
1 - 10º C |
| *Compatibility Testing (ABO/Rh screen & crossmatch) |
Two 5 or 7 mL EDTA tube (Purple top). More may be required. No gel separator. |
72 hrs. |
1 - 10º C |
| **Consultation (Antibody Identification work-up) |
Two 5 or 7 mL EDTA tube (Purple top). More may be required. No gel separator. |
10 days |
1 - 10º C |
| Antibody Titration |
| 1) One 5 or 7 mL EDTA (purple top) |
| 2) At least 3 mL serum or plasma. Separate serum or plasma from red blood cells. Do not use samples drawn into tubes with neutral plasma or serum. |
| 3) 5 to 7 mL serum or plasma. Separate serum or plasma from red blood cells. |
|
3 days |
1 - 10º C |
| ABO / Rh |
One 5 or 7 mL EDTA (purple top), heparin, ACD, CPD, CPDA-1, or CP2D. |
10 days, up to expiration date of anticoagulant |
1 - 10º C |
| Red Blood Cell Antigen Typing |
One 5 mL EDTA (purple top), heparin, ACD, CPD, CPDA-1, or CP2D. |
10 days, up to expiration date of anticoagulant |
1 - 10º C |
*If applicable, include the Requisition and Patient History Information for Compatibility Testing form along with the sample submission.
**If applicable, include the Special Procedures Laboratory Consultaion Request Form.
In the event of a transfusion reaction, submit the Adverse Transfusion Reaction Report to STBTC. Follow the instructions at the bottom of the form for appropriate sample/item submission. Copies of the forms listed above are provided in the following pages.
Specimen tubes must be labeled with an eye-readable barcode as shown in the drawing below:
- Special Testing Specimens
Specimen tubes for special testing must be labeled with an eye-readable barcode as shown in 1. above, or must display the Social Security number of the donor/patient as
it appears on the testing request. Refer to the drawing below:
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