The Viral Testing Laboratory is responsible for hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody, hepatitis C antibody, HIV 1/2 antibody, and HTLV-1 antibody testing for patients. This laboratory is also responsible for viral testing of donor units. The viral testing laboratory is open weekdays from 6 am to 3 pm and can be reached at x6-8168.

1. Sample Identification: All samples MUST be clearly and indelibly labeled with:
a. Patient’s full name
b. Patient’s unit number
c. Phlebotomist’s identification
d. Date of phlebotomy
Inadequately identified samples will be destroyed and a properly identified sample will be requested. The back copy of the Hepatitis Testing Report (Form #70155) or HIV Screening Test Form (Form #11693) should be used as the tube label. The HIV Screening Test Form MUST be signed by both the physician and the patient. The results will be sent to Medical Records if there is not a legible location and requesting physician indicated on the form.

2. Sample Type and Volume: All samples must be submitted in 10 mL EDTA tubes (lavender top) or 10 mL clot tubes (red top) due to the instrumentation in the laboratory. Samples in other sized tubes will not be accepted.