Phlebotomy
Specimen Collection
Heparin (green top) tube not suitable.
Pink EDTA6 mL Adult Pink EDTA Blood (Preferred)
Micro-EDTA0.5 mL Paediatric Micro-EDTA Blood
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
Samples submitted for pre-transfusion testing must be hand-labelled.
Samples with evidence of being labelled with a computer-generated label will be discarded. (Hand written template label may be used for Micro-EDTA tubes only).
Sample tubes must be legibly hand labelled with the following:
- Patient family name and one or more given names (not in nickname or abbreviated form)
- Patient's NHI and/or DOB (preferably both)
- Signature or initial of the collector
- Date and time of collection.
Note the following:
- If patient has a continuing requirement for cellular products, a fresh sample should be sent after 72 hours.
- For babies under 4 months of age, ring Blood Bank in case they already have a suitable sample.
- For paediatric collects a venepuncture is preferred where possible. The Pink tube is best. If a micro-collect is necessary, 1 EDTA microtainer (0.5 mL blood) is required.
- If a patient has a positive antibody screen there may be a delay in obtaining compatible blood for transfusion. Discuss with the Blood Bank concerned.
Contact Information
Blood Bank ACH / SSH
For results, use ward computer.
For more information, phone Blood Bank: 24015 / 24014 or (09) 523 5730