Specimen Type/Requirements

Glass Slides - 3 Thick and 3 Thin Smears from fresh sample (preferred), fingerstick or venipuncture

or

Lavender top (EDTA) tube - 3 Thick and 3 Thin Smears (must be made within 2 hours of collection)

Smear Instructions:  Prepare thick smears by putting one drop of blood from a fingerstick or the tip of a phlebotomy needle onto the end of a slide. Spread the blood around with the corner of another slide to make the smear the size of a dime. A proper thick smear is thin enough that print can be read through it. Prepare thin smears in the same manner a smear for a differential is made.

For venipuncture: Use a syringe with no anticoagulant (preferred) making the smears from the end of the needle.

Note: EDTA anticoagulant is also acceptable to use if slides are made within 2 hours of collection.