Invert tube 8 to 10 times immediately after tube is filled at the time of collection.
Storage Instructions:
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection:
Hemolysis; clotted specimen; tube not filled with minimum volume; improper labeling; transport tubes with whole blood; specimen diluted or contaminated with IV fluid; specimen drawn in any anticoagulant other than EDTA
Use:
Evaluate anemia, blood loss, hydration or suspected polycythemic condition, and response to treatment
Limitations:
Hyperlipemic plasma (especially Fredrickson and Lees type I and V in which chylomicronemia is present) or white count >50,000/mm3 may falsely elevate the hemoglobin result with corresponding increase in the MCH. The laboratory will attempt to correct this interference by a special technique.
