LabNotes - Volume 14, No.2, 2004

Did You Know...

NCCLS has recently updated several of its more commonly used documents

The following updated documents have several important changes that you need to be aware of:

H01-A5

Tubes and Additives for Venous Blood Specimen Collection; Approved Standard - Fifth Edition
American National Standard* This standard contains requirements for blood collection tubes and additives, including heparin, EDTA, and sodium citrate.

H03-A5

Procedure for the Collection of Diagnostic Blood Specimens by Venipuncture; Approved Standard - Fifth Edition
This document provides procedures for the collection of diagnostic specimens by venipuncture, including line draws, blood culture collection, and venipuncture in children. It also includes recommendations on order of draw.

H21-A4

Collection, Transport, and Processing of Blood Specimens for Testing Plasma-Based Coagulation Assays; Approved Guideline - Fourth Edition
This document contains procedures for collecting, transporting, and storing blood; processing blood specimens; storing plasma for coagulation testing; and provides general recommendations for performing the tests.

All the above documents are available for purchase electronically or in hard copy by calling NCCLS at 1.877.447.1888, or by visiting their website.

They can also be purchased through the BD Education Center by calling 1.800.255.6334 or at www.bd.com/education.

The BD Education Center is a comprehensive resource for up-to-date educational materials focusing on a variety of human health topics.

The above information is published with the permission of NCCLS.

*American National Standards have been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). NCCLS submits selected standards as candidate American National Standards when such status will enhance their national or international usefulness.

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