For Blood Transfusion please refer to the appropriate section. Link to Phelebotomy Services information.

Use the appropriate tube (refer to analyte tables in the Handbook, Wallchart or these web pages, when in doubt contact the laboratory) and fill to the mark indicated on the tube. Label clearly with patient's name, Unit No., date of birth, ward, date and time of specimen collection.

AVOID CONTAMINATION - When taking a series of blood specimens, it essential that the plain red serum sample is taken first, followed by the green Lithium heparin sample and any EDTA tubes last of all. Failure to adhere to this sequence will lead to contamination of blood samples with anticoagulants/preservatives.
This contamination produces spurious and invalid results in major biochemical parameters. (Click here for a guide to EDTA contamination). Click here for Spurious results - due to collection/storage information

For immunology samples, there is no known assay-specific requirements for sample handling prior to receipt in the laboratory. Samples should be sent the laboratory as soon as possible after collection, at ambient temperature.

Avoid haemolysis, drip contamination, over-heating and prolonged venous constriction.

Ensure thorough and instant mixing of blood with anticoagulant (heparin, fluoride EDTA or potassium EDTA) for plasma samples. Do not transfer blood from one tube to another eg EDTA to Lithium heparin.

Clinical Chemistry samples should arrive in the laboratory within 4 hrs of collection.

Do not place Clinical Biochemistry blood samples in the fridge (4°C) prior to collection or leave overnight at room temperature as this can severley affect some results e.g. potassium. If in doubt, please contact the laboratory (ext 4230 or 4235) for advice.

DO NOT send blood gas samples to the laboratory with the needle attached.