Specimen Requirements

Capillary Blood

Container: PKU Form Filter Paper

Specimen Collection: Five Fully Saturated Circles (minimum 4 circles)

1. Perform on infants > 24 hours old.
2. Check that nurse has fillled out PKU form, especially birth and present weights.
3. Perform heelstick procedure on infant. 
4. Allow large droplet of blood to form.
5. Touch filter paper to blood and allow to soak through completely in each circle. Total saturation should be evident when paper is viewed on both sides. DO NOT apply blood to both sides. 
6. Fill in date and time of collection on PKU form.
7. Allow blood spots to dry for 3 hours at room temperature. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. 
8. Cover with end-flap.
9. Place in supplied envelope and mail within 24 hours.