Page 23 - SRL Diagnostics Directory of Services

NEWBORN SCREENING: SPECIMEN COLLECTION GUIDELINES
Dried Blood Spot (DBS)
Collection time:
Testing by Enzyme Immunoassay: Collect sample 24 hrs after birth up to 5 days (120 hrs)
Testing by MS/MS: Collect sample 48 hrs after birth up to 30 days of age

Specimen and volume:
4 - 5 whole blood spots
Fill all circles with blood
Do not layer

Container:
Whatman 903 filter paper

Storage and shipping temperature
Allow blood to air dry 3 - 4 hrs before packing (Do Not Heat)
Store sample in a ziplock bag at room temperature or 2° - 8° C
Ship sample in the ziplock bag at room temperature or 2° - 8° C

Take a specimen before discharge, preferably two to five days after
birth. Remember to give all of the information required on the blood
specimen card

Collect the blood from the shaded area of the foot as shown.
First warm the heel gently, then clean the area of the puncture
with a suitable solution, e.g. 70 % alcohol solution, and allow to
air-dry

Make the puncture with a sterile lancet to a depth not greater than 2
mm. Gently wipe away the first drop with a dry sterile gauze. Do not
squeeze the foot

Allow a drop of blood to form that will be large enough to fill the
circle printed on the collection card. Collect the blood on the rear
side of the card only. Make sure that blood fills the circle completely
and saturates the paper right through.
Apply only once to each circle. Do not layer. Fill all of the circles with
blood. For treatment of wound site adhere to your local practice
Let the card dry for at least three hours on a flat surface in the air at
ambient room temperature (15° C - 22° C). Do not stack the cards
on top of one another while drying. Do not use any heating, central
heating, forced air heating, or sunlight to dry the card. Check that
the specimens are quite dry and that all information has been given.
Send the specimens to the laboratory for measurement within 24 h
after collection
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