Fill the blood collection tube to the 250 ul - 500 ul marking. After the needed blood has been collected from the heel of the newborn, the foot should be elevated above the body, and a sterile gauze, pad or cotton swab pressed against the puncture site until the bleeding stops. If bleeding continues after three to five minutes, consult a physician. Wrap each specimen with absorbent material to cushion it from breakage or in case of breakage, to absorb leakage. Place wrapped specimen in aluminum container.
Postal regulation require that the outer metal screw-on lid be secured with tape.
Labels may be ordered from the Waycross Regional Laboratory. U .S. postal regulations allow up to 50 ml of blood to be transported in one package. Transport specimen promptly to the laboratory. When mailing is delayed, refrigerate at 2-8 o C pending transport. Transport by U.S. mail, or courier.