info and Forms for providers
- Newborn Form
- Hemoglobinopatías (Formulario Pediatrico)
- Adult Form
- Hemoglobinopatías (Formulario para Adultos)
Unlabeled Blood Tubes
Collection Procedures
Blood Collection Supplies
When submitting a blood specimen to the Meharry Sickle Cell Center, please make sure to properly label the tube with the patient's name and date of birth (DOB). Following the Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals, specimens should be labeled at the patient's site by the originating party. Unlabeled sample tubes received by our laboratory will not be processed. An unsatisfactory report with 'Unlabeled Specimen Code 016' will be issued and no testing will be performed.
A full report with results will be generated upon receipt of a properly labeled specimen. Our regular turn-around time is 14 days, and it is calculated from the time the specimen is received in the laboratory to the time the results are mailed out to you. Specimens involving rare hemoglobin variants may require additional time for testing in order to properly identify the hemoglobinopathy involved. These specimens may take longer to process depending on the complexity of the hemoglobin variants. You will receive a notification from us requesting additional time for testing or stating that the specimen is pending.
If you have any questions please contact us at 615.327.6763 or email us at sickle_cell@mmc.edu.
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Collection and Handling of Samples for Hemoglobin Identification
Proper collection and handling of specimens are essential when sending samples to
the Meharry Sickle Cell Center. The procedure described below must be followed to
ensure safe transit and compliance with Occupational Safety Health Administration
(OSHA) and CLIA 88 standards as well as postal regulations.
Blood Collection Procedure
1. Label the tube with the patient's name and date of birth (label not included). Unlabeled blood samples will not be processed by our laboratory. An unsatisfactory report with unlabeled specimen code 016 will be issued and no testing will be performed. A full report with results will be generated only upon receipt of a properly labeled specimen.
2. Perform a finger or heel stick using good laboratory techniques following the instructions of the lancing device manufacturer (included).
3. Wipe off the first drop of blood and then touch the capillary tip of the Microvette tube to the droplet of blood as it appears at the incision. Excessive pressure or squeezing on the puncture area must be avoided to prevent premature coagulation in the capillary.
4. After the blood has been collected, remove the capillary unit and properly discard it, and close the sample container with the attached stopper.
5. Immediately mix the blood with the EDTA anticoagulant by inverting the collection tube several times back and forth.
6. Fill out the laboratory sample request form completely and legibly and include the address where the results should be mailed. Fold the laboratory request form and place it in the unsealed pocket of the biohazard bag.
7. Place the sealed Microvette tube in the Ziploc pocket of the biohazard bag and place it in the Styrofoam mailing box.
8. Place the Styrofoam box in the mailing sleeve and seal both ends. Please place the Return Address on the mailing box.
Kindly remember that the Sample Request Form needs to be filled out completely, accurately, and legibly. Incomplete forms or forms without return addresses will delay test results. You may download forms at the links above.
If you have any questions please contact us at 615-327-6763 or email us at sickle_cell@mmc.edu.
On a regular basis and also upon request, the center mails blood testing supplies to health care agencies in Tennessee. If you need blood collection supplies, please contact us by e-mail (sickle_cell@mmc.edu), fax (615.327.6008), or phone (615.327.6763) with your request as follows:
SUPPLIES NEEDED
Request Forms: Adult and Children
Microvette Tube EDTA
Plastic Bags
Styrofoam Mailing Boxes
Please note that you can download all forms using the links in the navigation menu above. (Forms in English and Spanish are available.)
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