haematology users' handbook - University College London Hospitals

Test Specimen type Key Factors
affecting
tests
Notes
Reference
Range
Out of hours
service
Time Limit for
requesting
additional
tests from
time of
venesection
Turnaround
time from
receipt of
sample (in
working
days for non
urgent
requests)
PFA-100
(Platelet function
analysis)
1 x 4.5ml Sodium
Citrated sample
Recommendation:
also send an EDTA
sample for a FBC)
Aspirin affects
results.
Delayed receipt of
sample.
Sample not kept at
room temperature.
The sample must be kept
at room temperature &
tested within 5 hours.
Platelet Aggregation
Studies must be requested
separately if required.
Contact the
laboratory
No out of
hours service
Contact the
Laboratory
1 working
day
Significant
thrombocytopenia,
anaemia,
leucopaenia.
Cardiolipin
Antibodies (ACLA)
1 x 5ml SST
sample
This test does not require
authorisation.
IgG: ≤ 12
GPLU/ml
No out of
hours service
3 working
days
IgM: ≤ 12
MPLU/ml
Plasma viscosity
1 x 4.5ml EDTA
sample
Variations in
temperature
Delayed receipt of
sample
Samples must be kept at
room temperature.
Samples that have been
refrigerated are unsuitable
for testing.
Samples should not be
warmed, but warming
does not make them
unsuitable for testing
1.4 - 1.75
mPa
By
agreement
with the
Haematology
Consultant
on call and
subject to
staff
availability.
7 days 2 working
days
Haemostasis (page 5 of 6)
HAEM-PD-UserHbook V8 Haematology and Blood Transfusion User Handbook Page 23 of 38
Authors: Karen Orfinada (Senior Biomedical Scientist)
Sally McDonald (Senior Biomedical Scientist) Authorised by: Dave Barnett Review Date: August 2015