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Sample clotted
Improved blood collection techniques
The blood sample is mixed with the additive/anticoagulant in the specimen tube as many as 8-10 inversion for the EDTA tube and 3-4 rotations for the sodium citrate tube.
One rotation is as in figure on the right.
Improper Specimen Volume (Underfilled/ overfilled)
Specimen volume must be sufficient especially for coagulation.
The volume can be ascertained enough based on the marks found on the specimen tube as in figures below.
Tubes should fill between +10% of the stated draw volume.
Do not fill tubes from other tubes or combine two partially filled citrate tubes.
ESR test
This test is offered during office hours and this test is done at the Hematology Unit of the HQE Pathology Department.
The sample for the ESR test is stable at room temperature for 4 hours.
Minimum sample volume is 1.0ml.
The main reason for this test being rejected is that the sample was sent after office hours, the blood collection time exceeded 4 hours and the volume of the blood sample was inappropriate.
Test not indicated (Hb analysis)
Hb analysis is a thalassemia screening test and this test is done when MCV <80 fl and MCH <27 pg.
This test is not an early screening test for cases of anemia because low Hb levels can affect the test results and iron deficiency anemia needs to be treated before the Hb analysis test is requested.
The test results are not accurate if the patient's sample is sent within 3 months after the blood transfusion.
Test not indicated (PBF)
This test is applied for the investigation of various cases, especially those involving hematological cases and usually the results of the FBC test are abnormal.
This test is not repeated in a short period of time except for certain cases.
Pathology Medical Officer/Hematopathologist can be consulted at ext. 7329.
Test not indicated (D-dimer)
1. The d-dimer test application should be referred to the Pathology Medical Officer.
2. The indication for the d-dimer test is for thrombosis cases and is also used for serious Covid-19 cases.
3. Well score for DVT and PE can be used to help patient management.
No sample
Before sending the sample to the laboratory, the ward must ensure that the sample is ready to be sent to avoid that no sample is received.
This happens when several tests are written on the same test application form but only part of the sample is sent.
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