Specimen Handling and Testing

Pages in this Module
  1. Diagnosing Hemophilia
  2. Your Visit with Bryson
  3. Coagulation
  4. Diagnostic Tests
  5. Laboratory Values
  6. Specimen Handling and Testing
  7. Bryson: Results
  8. Bryson: Review
  9. Bryson: Conclusion
  10. Your Visit with Nolan
  11. Nolan: Conclusion
  12. Summary
Related Pages

An accurate laboratory diagnosis requires careful collection and handling of blood specimens, especially coagulation laboratory samples. Keep the following information in mind when ordering, collecting, or transporting blood samples for coagulation testing.

April

Draw blood into a buffered sodium citrate blood collection tube.

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April

Immediately invert the tube 5 to 6 times to mix the blood and citrate. Do not shake the tube!

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test tube holder

Spin the tube for 15 minutes to remove cells, such as platelets and red blood cells.

When specimens are not collected correctly, mistakes can be costly [PDF – 87 KB].

Page last reviewed: August 8, 2022
Content source:  National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention