Antimony - Blood

Cannot be collected by Mobile Collection Service (MCS).

1 x 10 mL dark green top GLASS sodium heparin tube with rubber stopper (available from CLS Referrals Department)

Wear non-powdered gloves throughout blood collection and cleanse the collection site using isopropyl alcohol only.

 

Erythrocytes:
Centrifuge within 1 hour of collection:
1. Mix tube thoroughly and centrifuge.
2. Aliquot plasma using a plastic pipet (not glass) to a plastic screwcap Sardstedt2 aliquot tube (aliquot tubes available from Referrals).  Screw the caps on tightly to avoid leakage.
3. Discard middle layer (residual plasma and approximately 1/8 inch of the upper RBC layer) using the same pipet.
4. Aliquot RBC using a new plastic pipet (NOT glass) to a plastic screwcap Sarstedt2 aliquot tube.  Screw the caps on tightly to avoid leakage.
5. Send both aliquots (RBC and plasma) to DSC (do not send original sodium heparin tube). Send in a separate bag with a photocopy of the requisition.

PSC & RRL: Transport to DSC on ice.
Extra-regional: Freeze aliquots and transport to DSC on dry ice.
DSC: Freeze specimens upon receipt in lab; ensure frozen specimens do not thaw.

Whole Blood:
Do NOT centrifuge, transport tube to DSC at room temperature. Store in refrigerator if there will be a delay in transport. 
DSC: store in refrigerator upon receipt in lab.

Send specimen in a separate bag with a photocopy of the requisition.