Table 2 Summary of key pre-analytical recommendations about sample processing
From: Pre-analytical issues in the haemostasis laboratory: guidance for the clinical laboratories
Sample processing | Blood should be adequately and promptly mixed by 3 to 6 complete end-over-end inversions of the tubes in order to ensure complete distribution of anticoagulant. |
Avoid vigorous shaking, vortexing or agitation of blood samples. | |
Adjust the citrate volume in case of high haematocrit (remove part of the citrate solution from the sampling tube prior to drawing blood). | |
Check tubes for presence of clots, precipitates or haemolysis. |