Physician Office Specimen Requirements

Specimen:  5 thin smears and 5 thick smears plus 3 mL Lavendar-top (EDTA) tube

Container/Tube:  Lavender-top (EDTA) tube

Collection Instructions: 

1. Using clean slides, collect 5 thin smears in the usual wedge preparation manner.
2. Also collect 5 thick smears.

• A large drop of blood is produced on the end of the finger.
• Blood should be evenly distributed in the spot and thin enough to read newsprint or other fine print through.
• Touch the un-frosted end of a clean slide to the drop without touching the finger and move the slide in a flat circle to spread the blood in an area the size of a nickel. 

       3. Dry smears flat, away from excessive heat and dust.

Note:  Label container with patient’s full name and 1 additional unique patient identifier such as date of birth, medical record number, emergency ID number, date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.