Blood Film – Examination (Blood)

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Department

Haematology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

CFLM

Test Code (Numeric Code)

1080

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Collect 1x 4ml EDTA blood sample.

Registration

  • If a blood film or compulsory film is requested as part of a FBC, please register for FBC and CFLM.
  • If an EDTA is received and only blood film or compulsory film is requested, please register for FBC and CFLM.

    Sample Stability

    Blood Film Examination (Automated/Manual differential with Morphology Comment) less than 6-hours from time of collection (sample stored at ambient temp or 4°C)
    Blood Film Examination (Automated/Manual differential without Morphology Comment) less than 12-hours from time of collection (sample stored at ambient temp or 4°C)

    • Associated Tests

    Synonyms

    Differential
    Film
    Peripheral smear

    Turnaround Time

    2 hours

  • Blood film examination turnaround time is dependent on the location and the results of Full Blood Count parameters. However urgent films (high dependency wards) TAT is 2 hours and non-urgent films TAT is 6 hours after the haemoglobin has been posted.

    • Specimen Type

    • Whole Blood

    Specimen Requirements

    Tube/Container Type:

    Preferred
    • EDTA (Lavender Cap)
    Acceptable
    • EDTA (Microtainer)
    Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

    4

    Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

    0.25

    No of Samples Required

    1

    Paediatric Specimen Requirements

    Tube/Container Type:

    Preferred
    • EDTA (Microtainer)
    Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

    0.25

    Pre-testing Requirements

  • If a blood film review is required with a FBC, please request a Blood Film on request form.

    • Last updated: 10/09/2026