Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Haematology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
HSF
Test Code (Numeric Code)
1888
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
- Collect 1 x 2.7ml Citrate (Blue Cap) or 1 x 1.8ml Citrate (Light Blue Cap).
- Paediatrics collect 1 x 1ml Micro-Citrate tube.
- Tube must be adequately filled.
- Whole blood International Normalised Ratio (INR) is available for paediatric patients for warfarin monitoring only. Please arrange this with phlebotomy (ext 29269) if this service is required.
Laboratory
Provide the clinical indication and relevant clinical details, including current/recent anticoagulant therapy. Anticoagulant status is important for test selection, reflex testing and interpretation.
Sample Stability
| Test | Whole Blood / Plasma Stability | Frozen Plasma Stability | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR/INR | Stable for 24 hours at ambient temperature. Do not refrigerate. | 2 weeks at -20°C. | Avoid refrigeration. |
| APTT | Stable for 8 hours at ambient temperature. | 2 weeks at -20°C. | When assessing UFH effect, avoid delayed testing. Local guidance recommends testing within 4 hours of collection. |
| Fibrinogen | Current Test Guide suitability is 7 days. | Not specified. | Avoid unnecessary cold storage, as cryoprecipitate formation may reduce fibrinogen levels. |
Synonyms
Coagulation screen
Coag panel
Haemostasis screen
Basic screen
Turnaround Time
2 hours
Specimen Type
- Whole Blood
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Citrate (Blue Cap)
Acceptable
- Please refer to Additional Information below
- Citrate (Light Blue Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
2.7
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1.8
No of Samples Required
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Citrate (Microtainer)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
1
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
Pre-testing Requirements
Document anticoagulant therapy/status and relevant clinical details; include timing when assessing an anticoagulant effect.
Additional Specimen Information
Use an adequately filled citrate tube: 2.7 mL or 1.8 mL venous citrate; paediatric 1 mL mini-citrate. Check specimen integrity and adequate volume; clots, significant haemolysis/lipaemia, bubbles or red cells may make results unreliable.
Adult routine Coagulation Screens will be collected by the phlebotomy service. For children who require coagulation investigation, collection must be undertaken by Medical Staff. Paediatric collection tubes should be available in the wards.
Last updated: 18/09/2026