The Blood Draw Form provides the information needed to process patient specimens correctly and helps prevent delays or specimen rejection.
Before submitting a specimen, complete all required sections of the form, including:
- Phlebotomist information
- Patient and fasting information
- Required tube information
- Shipping information
Proper tube handling, accurate documentation, and correct shipping are essential for a successful specimen submission.
Phlebotomist Information
The phlebotomist performing the blood draw must complete this section. Enter your full name, direct phone number, and Contractor ID or drawing facility name.
Your direct phone number allows the laboratory to contact you if there are questions or issues with the specimen. Make sure your Contractor ID or drawing facility information is accurate and matches your current assignment.
Phlebotomy Information
Complete both fasting-related fields before submitting the form.
Important Steps
- Hours Since Last Meal: Ask the patient how many hours it has been since their last meal and enter the exact number of hours provided. This information may affect how certain laboratory values are interpreted.
- Fasting Status: Indicate whether the patient is Fasting or Non-fasting. Do not leave either fasting field incomplete.
- Document the Required Tubes: For each tube collected, record quantity of tubes collected, date of collection, and exact time of collection
- Accurate collection times are especially important for time-sensitive tests.
Tube Processing
Tube handling requirements vary depending on the specimen type.
- For Red Top or Gold Serum Separator Tube: Invert the tube 5 times after collection. Allow the specimen to clot for 30 minutes. Centrifuge the specimen after the clotting period.
- For Lavender EDTA Tube: Immediately after collection, gently invert the tube 8–10 times.
- For Light Blue Sodium Citrate Tube: The Light Blue Sodium Citrate tube must be filled to the correct volume line. Under-filled Light Blue tubes will be rejected. After collection, invert the tube 3–4 times.
- For Green Lithium-Heparin Tube: Invert the tube 8–10 times after collection. Process the specimen within 30 minutes.
Note: Follow your facility’s specific processing protocols if they differ from the instructions provided here.
Packaging and Shipping Samples
Once all required tubes have been collected and processed:
- Place all tubes securely inside the provided biohazard bag.
- Place the completed Blood Draw Form in the outside pouch of the bag.
- Seal the biohazard bag.
- Place the bag inside the insulated shipping box.
- Add the appropriate ice pack or refrigerant required for the test.
Important: Do not place the Blood Draw Form inside the biohazard bag with the specimens. The completed form belongs in the outside pouch.
Make sure the specimens are maintained at the appropriate temperature during transportation. Follow the shipping and temperature requirements for the specific test being submitted to help prevent a temperature excursion or stability issue.
Common Reasons a Specimen May Be Rejected
Review your specimens and documentation before shipping. Samples may be rejected for any of the following reasons:
- Hemolysis: Hemolysis occurs when red blood cells break down, which may cause visible red or pink discoloration of the serum or plasma.
- Incorrect Tube Type: The collection tube must match the requirements of the ordered test.
- Insufficient Sample Volume: Make sure the required specimen volume has been collected. Pay particular attention to tubes with required fill levels, such as Light Blue Sodium Citrate tubes.
- Missing or Incomplete Patient Identification: Confirm that all required patient identification is present on the tube label before submitting the specimen.
- Specimen Stability: Do not submit tubes that have exceeded the applicable stability window.
- Temperature Excursion: Samples must remain at the required temperature during transportation. Specimens that are not maintained at the appropriate temperature may be rejected.
- Missing or Incomplete Form Information: Review the entire Blood Draw Form before shipping and make sure all required fields have been completed.
Learn More about causes of a TNP (Test Not Performed)
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