Specimen Requirements

Whole blood samples must be collected in or immediately transferred to Greiner 2.0 mL partial fill blue top tubes containing 3.2% Sodium Citrate. The tube must be filled to its intended whole blood capacity (indicated by small black line).

Instructions for Sample Collection by Venipuncture:

1. Identify a site that is free of any peripheral intravenous infusions.
2. Apply the tourniquet and identify the phlebotomy site.
3. Release the tourniquet and cleanse the phlebotomy area.
4. Reapply the tourniquet.  It is important to minimize the amount of time that the tourniquet is applied prior to filling the tube in order to avoid activating the platelets while obtaining the sample.
5. Perform the phlebotomy and first collect a discard tube of at least 2 mL of whole blood in a plain red top tube. Next, completely fill TWO Greiner 2 mL patrial fill vacuette tubes. Always draw the tube(s) for the VerifyNow Testing first.
   • Note: Never draw a sample for any platelet function test after a lavender top tube (EDTA).
6. Gently invert the citrated tube containing whole blood 5 times immediately after collection to mix the blood with the anticoagulant and prevent clotting.
7. Samples must be kept at room temperature.  Do not refrigerate, freeze or centrifuge the sample to be used for the VerifyNow Test.
8. Samples that are difficult to obtain may hemolyze or clot.  Samples that are hemolyzed or clotted must be recollected.

Instruction for Sample Collection from Indwelling Catheters:

1. Ensure that the indwelling catheter line is free of clots.
2. Obtain a discard of at least 5 mL in order to clear the line.
3. Obtain the sample for testing with a second syringe.
4. Immediately transfer the blood into TWO Greiner Bio-One Vacuette^® 2.0 mL partial fill collection tubes. Be sure to fill the tube to the amount indicated by the fill line (black triangle mark)
5. Immediately gently invert the citrated tube containing whole blood at least 5 times to mix the blood with the anticoagulant and prevent clotting.
6. Collection of the blood specimen should be performed with care to avoid hemolysis or contamination by tissue fluids. Samples that are difficult to obtain may hemolyze or clot.  Samples that are hemolyzed or show evidence of clotting should be recollected.

Sample handling, Storage and Stability: 

1. The sample must be incubated at room temperature for 10 minutes prior to testing and can be used up to 4 hours after collection if stored at room temperature (18 to 25 °C). Samples must be kept at room temperature. 
2. Do not refrigerate, freeze or centrifuge the samples to be used for the VerifyNow Test.
3. Hand carry samples to the laboratory it is important to avoid transport of samples through the Pneumatic Tube System.
4. Universal precautions must be used  with all procedures related to the collection, processing and disposal  of  blood samples.