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Semin Thromb Hemost 2012; 38(06): 576-585
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1319768
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Quality Standards for Sample Processing, Transportation, and Storage in Hemostasis Testing

Dorothy M. Adcock Funk
1   Esoterix Inc., Englewood, Colorado
,
Giuseppe Lippi
2   Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Academic Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
,
Emmanuel J. Favaloro
3   Department of Haematology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
16 June 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Samples for hemostasis testing drawn into sodium citrate anticoagulant are vulnerable to the effects of preanalytical variables associated with sample processing, transportation, and storage. These variables include the temperature at which samples are transported and stored; the stability of the samples once processed; whether maintained at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen; methods of centrifugation; as well as the potential impact of using an automated line. Acknowledgment of these variables, as well as understanding their potential impact on assay results, is imperative to the reporting of high quality and accurate results. This article discusses the preanalytical issues associated with sample processing, transportation, and storage and also presents the ideal conditions for sample handling.

Keywords

preanalytical variability - coagulation testing - prothrombin time - activated partial thromboplastin time - laboratory errors - quality standards
 

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