I was wondering if those of you who use the various blood bank automation platforms might be able to answer these basic sample specification questions for each platform.

1. Tube size (we do not use pediatric tubes so that is of no concern)

2. Minimum sample volume for plasma/serum, RBCs and for antibody ID

I remember reading somewhere that for the Echo, these are:

Tube Size: 12-16mm diameter; 75-100 Length

Min. sample volumes:

500 µl plasma

250 µl RBCs

750 µl for antibody ID

I would appreciate confirmation of those numbers as well as similar information for the Galileo, ProVue and Tango.

Thanks in advance for any assistance !!

We use Galileo and those volumes are correct.

Here are the sample specifications for the Tango.

Samples sizes: 12x75, 12x100, 13x75, 13x100, 16x100 and can also do pediatric bullets

Sample volume:

For Type and Screen need minimum of 0.5 ml of plasma and 0.5 ml of plasma - uses 200 ul of plasma for reverse and 2 cell screen and 10 ul of RBC's

Antibody ID - can do either a 8 or 11 cell panel needs 50 ul of plasma for each panel cell (therefore either 400 ul or 550 ul)

Thanks for the information !!