Page 24 - SRL Diagnostics Directory of Services

Special instructions: (Applicable only for testing by MS/MS)
Up to 18 months after birth. Blood collection by heel-stick directly onto filter paper
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After 18 months of age. Blood collection by finger-stick directly onto filter paper

Venous blood from a central line is acceptable (do not apply blood to filter paper with a
needle as hemolysed samples are not acceptable).

All the requested details (birth date, birth weight, birth time, collection time/ date, feeding,
status ethnic & medication) on the newborn screen card should be mentioned properly

Rejection Criteria Acceptance Criteria

X Samples collected less than 72-96 hrs If the pt. has been transfused with
after blood transfusion whole blood, wait 72-96 hrs before
collection of sample

X Samples collected while the pt. is on
intravenous fluid

X Samples should not be collected Sample should be collected > 48 hrs
immediately after birth after oral feeding (breast feed/bottle
feed) is established
X A baby on IV fluids and on a ventilator is
not a good specimen for NBS

X Scratched and abraded, contaminated, If the pt. is on intravenous fluids wait 2
layered, super-saturated spots, unsaturated weeks before the collection of sample.
spots, unsaturated spots, samples If the pt. has stopped intravenous fluid,
containing EDTA, samples with plasma wait 2 days before collection.
rings around them, hemolysed samples

X Freezing and thawing will cause the red
blood cells to burst (hemolysis) and that will
affect the results NOT acceptable for
MS/MS screening

X Cord blood should NOT be used as a
specimen.

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