Beckman Coulter COULTER ACT 5diff - Page 96

PN 177196BB
6-2
SAMPLE ANALYSIS
SPECIMEN HANDLING
3. The type of cap (pierceable or not) on the specimen tube/micro-collection device dictates
whether a sample can be run closed-vial or must be run open-vial.
a. Closed-vial sampling is recommended for evacuated collection tubes and control
vials with pierceable stoppers or caps.
1) Samples can be run in either the Autoloader or the Manual mode.
2) Closed-vial sampling decreases the operator’s exposure to the whole-blood
specimen which is considered a biohazardous material.
b. Open-vial sampling is required for evacuated collection tubes, micro-collection
devices, and calibrator vials without pierceable stoppers or caps.
1) Samples must be run in the Manual mode.
2) The stopper or cap must be removed prior to sampling.
3) Open-vial sampling increases the operator’s exposure to the whole-blood
specimen which is considered a biohazardous material.
4. The size of the specimen tube/micro-collection device dictates whether a sample can be
run in the Autoloader mode or must be run in the Manual-mode.
Note that micro containers are only approved for the Manual mode.
5. When collecting blood specimens in evacuated tubes:
a. Collect venous blood specimens in K
3
EDTA or K
2
EDTA.
1) A correct proportion of whole blood to anticoagulant is critical.
2) Collect venous blood according to the tube manufacturer’s requirements.
3) K
3
EDTA is the preferred anticoagulant.
b. At collection and before analysis, mix each blood specimen gently and thoroughly
according to the tube manufacturer’s recommendations and your
laboratory’s protocol.
6. When collecting blood specimens in micro-collection devices:
a. Correct collection is critical to avoid micro-clots or debris.
b. Review and follow the collection and mixing instructions in the package insert
provided by the manufacturer.
c. Make sure the manufacturer’s minimum fill volume is achieved.
d. Anticoagulated capillary specimens collected in a micro-collection device can be
aspirated as an open-vial specimen.
7. To ensure that a full sample of whole blood can be drawn into the sampling probe, the
minimum volume of blood that must be in the collection device is:
a. 1 mL for collection devices having a fill volume >1 mL
b. Three-quarters of the fill volume for collection devices having a fill volume ≤1mL.
8. Specimens stored at room temperature can be analyzed for up to:
a. 48 hours after collection for CBC parameters.
b. 24 hours after collection for DIFF parameters.