Laboratory - Submitting Samples

Sample Requirements

• For antibody identification (Form L-35)
  Collect two 7-mL EDTA (purple or pink top) samples and a 10-mL clotted (plain red top) sample from the patient. Additional blood may be requested for complex problems. Do not send samples in gel separator tubes. Do not separate samples.
• For crossmatch only (Form L-59)
  Collect one 7-mL EDTA (purple or pink top) sample and a 10-mL clotted (plain red top) sample from the patient. Additional blood may be requested if unexpected antibodies are observed. Do not send samples in gel separator tubes. Do not separate samples.

Sample Labeling

Label each tube with:

• Complete patient name (Last, First, Middle Initial) as it appears on hospital records. (Note: On computer generated labels, ensure entire patient name prints on label.)
• Unique patient identification as it appears on hospital records, preferably social security number (SSN). (Note: ID number must match either SSN or Patient ID number on the written request form.)
• Date and time sample drawn
• Phlebotomist’s initials

Sample Shipping

• Prepare samples and request form for shipment to Laboratory using standard protocol for shipment of biological specimens.
• Ship samples and request form to the appropriate Laboratory. Shipping may be arranged by contacting the local LifeShare Blood Center to coordinate transport on a scheduled courier run. Alternately, samples and request form may be shipped via bus, mail, or facility arranged courier. Samples shipped directly from a facility must be on wet ice in an insulated container. Insulated containers are available from the local LifeShare Blood Center.
• Notify Laboratory of estimated arrival time for specimen.

• Corporate Office
• Service Area
• Alexandria
• Baton Rouge
• Beaumont
• El Dorado
• Lake Charles
• Monroe/Ruston
• Shreveport/Bossier