Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Peripheral blood smear

Preferred Specimen(s) 3 mL whole blood in EDTA vacutainer, fresh slide smear

Instructions Slide smear should be dry and thin

Transport Container EDTA Vial (lavender-top) tube

Transport Temperature Room temperature or Refrigerated; Stability 48 hrs

Reject Criteria

Heparinized sample;
Received frozen

Methodology Cell counter/Microscopic examination

Clinical Significance An automated blood analysis provides insights into medical conditions associated with changes in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The peripheral blood smear may be useful to describe morphologic abnormalities and leukemias.