Tube Type:
Purple top (EDTA) tube: Whole Blood
Collection Volume:
Purple top (EDTA) and Four fingerstick slides, 2 thick and 2 thin blood smears
Cause for Rejection:
Improperly collected blood smears (thick smear preps are too thick, blood sloughs off upon drying).
Availability:
Daily (slide prep: 24 hours) Slide exam: 0700-1630
Methodology:
Microscopic evaluation of Wright's stained blood film
Special Instructions:
Smears should be made prior to febrile paroxysm. If fever is unpredictable, do fingerstick at the beginning of temperature rise. If patient is symptomatic, find out if patient has visited foreign countries recently, has a headache, nausea, fever, chills or is vomiting.
