Specimen Requirements

Bone marrow and peripheral blood are required for this test.

Note:  Call St. Luke's Hematology Department (218) 249-5121 to notify that a bone marrow specimen is being sent.

Bone Marrow

1. Using needle and syringe, aspirate bone marrow.

2. Add a portion of bone marrow aspirate to a lavender-top (EDTA) tube(s).

3. Make 4 to 5 unstained smears.

4. Allowed remainder of aspirate to clot and place in a screw-capped container with B Plus Fix

5. If bone marrow core is collected, make 4 to 5 imprint smears, and place core in a screw-capped container with B-Plus Fix.

6. Label tube(s)/container(s)/smears with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, and bone marrow.

7. Forward promptly at ambient temperature. 
Note:  A physician’s diagnostic report and brief history are required for processing.

Peripheral Blood

Draw blood in a lavender-top (EDTA) tube(s). Make 4 to 5 blood smears within 2 hours of draw. Forward EDTA whole blood and smears promptly at ambient temperature.

Note:  Label tube(s) and smears with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, and blood.