CBC (includes Differential and Platelets) – A complete blood count is used as a screening test for various disease states to include: anemia, leukemia and inflammatory processes.
WBC, RBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Platelet Count, MPV and Differential (Absolute and Percent – Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils)
If abnormal cells are noted on a manual review of the peripheral blood smear or if the automated differential information meets specific criteria, a full manual differential will be performed.
Microtainer 0.5 mL
1 mL whole blood EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Maintain specimen at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. If multiple draw, collect EDTA (lavender-top) tube last. Traumatic draw can introduce thromboplastin and trap WBC and platelets. Refrigeration can precipitate fibrin and trap WBC and platelets.
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 1 Day |
| Refrigerated | 3 days |
| Frozen | Unstable |
| Freeze/thaw cycles | Unstable |
- Hemolysis
- Clotted
- Received frozen
