Referred Tests
| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
|---|---|
| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
| International: | +1 855-379-3115 |
| Values are valid only on day of printing. | |
Test ID: RBCME
Red Blood Cell Membrane Evaluation, Blood
Testing Algorithm 
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.
Osmotic fragility and eosin-5-maleimide (EMA) binding (Band3) flow cytometry testing will always be performed. A normal shipping control is necessary to exclude false-positive results due to preanalytical artifact. Testing will be canceled if no shipping control is received or if the shipping control is abnormal. A consultative interpretation will be provided.
See Benign Hematology Evaluation Comparison in Special Instructions.
Specimen Type Describes the specimen type validated for testing
Whole Blood EDTA
Whole Blood Slide
Shipping Instructions
Specimens must arrive within 72 hours of draw.
Necessary Information
Include recent transfusion information.
Include most recent CBC results.
Specimen Required Defines the optimal specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing
A whole blood EDTA specimen, an EDTA control specimen, and 2 well-made peripheral blood smears (Wright stained or fixed in absolute methanol) are required for testing.
Specimen Type: Blood
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 4 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Immediately refrigerate specimen after draw. Refrigerate at 0 to 4 degrees C. Do not freeze. Freezing causes sample lysis, and tests will not be performed on hemolyzed specimens.
2. Send specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
3. Rubber band patient specimen and control vial together. Control must accompany the patient sample at all times to ensure the reliability of testing results.
4. Be sure specimen and control are stored and transported together at refrigerate temperature, carefully following proper handling and shipping instructions.
Patient:
Specimen Type: Slides
Container/Tube: Blood smears
Specimen Volume: 2 well-made peripheral blood smears
Collection Instructions: Collect 2 well-made peripheral blood smears (Wright stained or fixed in absolute methanol).
Normal Shipping Control:
Specimen Type: Whole blood
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 4 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Draw a control specimen from a normal (healthy), unrelated, nonsmoking person at the same time as the patient.
2. Label clearly on outermost label normal control.
3. Immediately refrigerate specimen after draw. Refrigerate at 0 to 4 degrees C. Do not freeze. Freezing causes sample lysis, and tests will not be performed on hemolyzed specimens.
4. Send specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
5. Rubber band patient specimen and control vial together. Control must accompany the patient sample at all times to ensure the reliability of testing results.
Special Instructions Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test
Forms
1. Metabolic Hematology Patient Information (T810) in Special Instruction
2. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Benign Hematology Test Request Form (T755) with the specimen.
Specimen Minimum Volume Defines the amount of sample necessary to provide a clinically relevant result as determined by the Testing Laboratory
Reject Due To Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Other | Clotted Frozen |
Specimen Stability Information Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the performing laboratory, alternate acceptable temperatures are also included
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control | Refrigerated | 72 hours | PURPLE OR PINK TOP/EDTA |
| Whole Blood EDTA | Refrigerated | 72 hours | |
| Whole Blood Slide | Refrigerated | CARTRIDGE | |