Provide duplicate blood films packaged to prevent breakage and to maintain dryness. Smears should be protected against moisture, insects, and fixatives, especially formalin or formalin fumes, since any of these will destroy or alter erythrocyte morphology. Prepare bone marrow aspirates in triplicate as described for blood films.
Air dry rapidly.
Package to prevent breakage and maintain dryness. Include location from which sample was obtained and history. Submit urine in a clear, sterile tube under refrigeration. Serum should be removed from the clot within 2 hours and free of hemolysis. Heat and bacterial contamination deteriorate serum constituents.