Table 3 Summary of key pre-analytical recommendations about transportation of samples
From: Pre-analytical issues in the haemostasis laboratory: guidance for the clinical laboratories
Transportation of samples | Before transport, test samples regarding identification, safety conditions and stability. |
Transport samples at ambient temperature (15–25 °C) in as short a time as possible. | |
Draw samples directly in a laboratory. | |
Immediately after drawing, whole blood should remain capped for transport. | |
Temperature control is recommended in rooms where samples are kept for analysis. | |
Transfer samples vertically. | |
Do not use pneumatic tube systems (PTS) for transport of samples used for platelet function analysis. |