Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Pseudo thrombocytopenia (falsely low platelet count) occurs in up to 0.1% of FBC samples and is usually due to EDTA-dependent platelet agglutinating antibodies. These antibodies behave like cold agglutinins and are usually only active at room temperature and not at 37°C. In vivo counts are normal. The analyser platelet counts are falsely low and platelet clumping or satellite formation around WBC is seen on the blood film.
An alternative to providing an EDTA (FBC) sample tube warmed to 37°C and keeping it warm throughout the sample journey from patient to analyser, is to use a tube with an anticoagulant that does not induce platelet aggregation. Sodium citrate (the anticoagulant used in coagulation sample tubes) does not cause this phenomenon and is the anticoagulant of choice when investigating this problem.
Specimen container paediatric:
Light blue – sodium citrate
Specimen container adult:
Light blue – sodium citrate
Minimum volume paediatric:
1.3ml
Minimum volume adult:
2.7ml
Special requirements:
Tube must be correctly filled to line, to ensure correct ratio of blood to anticoagulant, ensure adequate mixing.
Sample stability:
24 hours
Transport requirements:
Samples should be transported to lab without delay.
Freq analysis:
As required
Add on test:
Not available
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS Full Blood Count
Reference ranges :
N/A