Specimen Requirements

Submit each of the followings

Specimen Type: Bone Marrow Aspirate
Container/Tube: Lavender Top (EDTA)
Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Prearrange with Haematology Laboratory for bone marrow biopsy sets.

2. Bone marrow puncture and biopsy are surgical procedures and must be performed by a physician using  aseptic technique.

3. Indicate the specimen type and the site of puncture on the tube (e.g. BM, right PSIS).

4. Send specimen to the laboratory immediately.

Specimen Type: Whole Blood
Container/Tube: Lavender Top (EDTA)
Minimum Volume: 1.0 mL

Collection Instructions: Indicate Whole Blood on the tube and send the specimen to the laboratory immediately.

Alternatively, submit each of the followings

Specimen Type: Bone Marrow Smears, Unfixed, Unstained
Minimum number of slides: 10

Collection Instructions:

1. All slides must be labelled with patient identification.

2. Indicate the specimen type and site of puncture (e.g. BM, right PSIS).

3. Place the slides in a slide holder and send the specimen to the laboratory immediately.

Specimen Type: Peripheral Blood Smears, Unfixed, Unstained
Minimum number of slides: 2

Collection Instructions:

1. All slides must be labelled with patient identification.

2. Indicate the specimen type i.e. Whole Blood

2. Place the slides in a slide holder and send the specimen to the laboratory immediately