SMILE

Processing a Complete Blood Count

Penny Stevens Procedure Number Date
Author(s), Name & Title
International QA/QC Coordinator Pro64-A-03 Version 1 Jan-06
SMILE Comments: This document is provided as an example only. It must be revised to accurately reflect your
lab’s specific processes and/or specific protocol requirements. Users are directed to countercheck facts when
considering their use in other applications. If you have any questions contact SMILE.

Name, Title Signature Date

Approved By

Name, Title Signature Date

SOP Annual
Review

Version # [0.0] Revision Date Description (notes)

[dd/mm/yy]
Revision
History

Name (or location) # of copies Name (or location) # of copies

Distributed
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Associated Forms:

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Processing a Complete Blood Count

I acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to follow this SOP.
Name (print) Signature Date

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Processing a Complete Blood Count

Copy _____ of ___ Effective Date:

HEMATOLOGY SECTION

B. COMPLETE BLOOD CELL COUNTS

B.1. PROCESSING A COMPLETE BLOOD CELL COUNT

B.1.1. PRINCIPLE: The following is an outline of the steps involved in processing a Complete
Blood Count (CBC) in the Hematology Section. These steps are from the time the specimens are
received at the reception desk, until the completed blood cell count results are filed and certified
on [your laboratory information system].

B.1.2. SPECIMENS:

1. EDTA anticoagulated blood (Lavender top tube) or capillary tubes.

2. Clotted specimens are not satisfactory for testing. Another specimen must be requested.
Document action taken on [your laboratory information system].

3. Blood sample and stained blood smears are kept for 7 days.

B.1.3. EQUIPMENT & REAGENTS

1. Equipment:

1.1. [your laboratory information system] labels

1.2. Glass slides
1.3. Clean gauze or tissue
1.4. Wooden applicators
1.5. Test tubes rack
1.6. Hematology Blood Analyzer

2. Reagents: not applicable

B.1.4. CALIBRATION: not applicable.

B.1.5. QUALITY CONTROL: not applicable.

B.1.6. PROCEDURE:

1. A lavender top tube (EDTA) sample or capillary tubes will be received at the reception
desk during duty hours Monday through Friday. After duty hours, on weekends or

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holidays, the technician on duty will receive all the specimens.

2. When either the receptionist or the technician on duty receives the specimens, all samples
will be logged-in into [your laboratory information system] for those tests ordered. [your
laboratory information system] labels will be generated for each sample.

3. Routine specimens will be placed into the specially marked hematology basket located at
the front desk. This basket must be checked at least once every hour. The specimens
are then brought to the section for processing.

4. The receptionist will notify the section when a STAT specimen is received. This STAT
specimen must be picked up immediately by section personnel in order to process
the specimen.

5. Processing the samples:

5.1. Specimens requiring CBCs are brought to the Hematology Analyzer area and placed
on the mechanical mixer. Specimens will be mixed thoroughly immediately before
analysis, for at least five-(5) minutes.

5.2. Every tube of blood receives a [your laboratory information system] number. At
this time, the technician must ensure that the patient's information on the specimen
label matches with the information on the generated [your laboratory information
system] labels. Any discrepancy must be investigated before processing the
specimen.

5.3. Specimens are then logged into the daily Hematology Worksheet by numerical order
using one of the [your laboratory information system] labels.

5.4. Check the specimen for a clot using wooden applicator sticks.

5.5. Specimens are then run through the Hematology Analyzer according to the SOP.

5.6. After the specimens have been run, review the results and transfer data to [your
laboratory information system] in order to be filed and certified.

5.7. The blood sample is placed into the current test tube holder by numerical order. At
the end of the day, this test tube holder is placed into the hematology refrigerator.

5.8. Specimens that require a manual differential and/or RBC morphology are then
checked for clots and a peripheral smear is prepared. Blood smears for those
specimens are stained with Wright's stain. Refer to Hematology Reference, Critical,
and Flag values SOP, and Wright’s Stain SOP for more information.
5.9. Stained slides will be placed on the hematology microscope table along with a
laboratory copy of the complete CBC report in order to perform the peripheral smear
examination. Once this is done, the slides are placed in the slide box for that day.

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5.10. For additional tests, i.e., ESR, reticulocyte count, sickle test, and microhematocrit,
refer to the specific SOP for the testing procedure.

B.1.7. CALCULATIONS: not applicable.

B.1.8. INTERPRETAION AND REPORTING RESULTS: not applicable.

B.1.9. PROCEDURAL NOTES:

1. STAT specimens are never batched, and all attempts must be made to process them
before routine specimens. Results must be completed within (1) hour, if not sooner.

2. ASAP specimens are handled as per STAT criteria with the exception of turn around
time. ASAP specimens will be completed within two (2) hours, every effort will be made to
complete them within one hour.

B.1.10. APPENDICES:

1. SOP Validation Form and SOP Change Control

2. SOP Approval

B.1.11. REFERENCES: As directed by the Chief, Clinical Laboratory Services.

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Processing a Complete Blood Count

SOP VALIDATION
SOP NAME:
Processing a Complete Blood Cell Count

Clear and specific title and principle: yes / no

Comments:

All necessary supplies, equipment, and materials are listed: yes / no

Comments:

SOP is sufficiently detailed to be understood but not overly complex: yes / no

Comments:

SOP text adequately describes process/procedure: yes / no

Comments:

SOP accomplishes purpose: yes / no

Comments:

Reviewed by: (Name & Title)

Signature: __________________ Date: __________________

SOP CHANGE CONTROL

Date Change QA OIC Med. Dir.

SOP APPROVAL

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Processing a Complete Blood Count
SIGNATURE DATE
PREPARER

QA COORDINATOR

LABORATORY OIC

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

ANNUAL REVIEW

REVIEWER SIGNATURE DATE REVIEWER SIGNATURE DATE

DOCUMENT COPY CONTROL DATE: ___________ # COPIES __________

LOCATIONS

SUPERSEDES: ________________

DATE SOP RETIRED: __________

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