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The paediatric laboratory of the UKBB primarily provides services in the field of haematology. This is done for all UKBB outpatients and inpatients, including neonatology in the USB Women's Clinic.
The services of the analyses offered in the paediatric laboratory can also be used by external clients.
If you have any questions regarding order requests, pre-analysis and interpretation of analysis results, we will be happy to advise and support you by telephone. Regular internal and external quality controls are carried out on all parameters analysed by us in order to guarantee the accuracy of the results.
Laboratory services that are not offered by the paediatric laboratory are carried out in collaboration with external laboratories, such as the USB central laboratory.
We are also involved in various studies.
Since September 2017, we have been internationally accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS) in accordance with ISO 15189 and regularly review our compliance with this standard.
Laboratory parameters offered that are not or not yet accredited are specially labelled by us.
Our patient information and analysis results are stored in accordance with legal requirements. In addition, backup copies are made on a regular basis. Our results are transmitted electronically for internal clients and by fax and letter or HIN e-mail for external clients.
See also Data protection of the UKBB
We would like to point out that all laboratory results are subject to data protection. Findings may only be viewed by authorised persons.
Copying and passing on to unauthorised persons is not permitted.
The well-being of patients is at the centre of our work. We are aware that we provide the treating physicians with results that can lead to the detection and/or treatment of diseases. For this reason, and in order to fulfil the high demands of our clients, we work in accordance with the requirements of ISO 15189.
We are constantly endeavouring to meet these requirements:
The QM system is subject to continuous review to ensure its suitability for all users. The requirements and regulations to which the paediatric laboratory has committed itself, as well as their implementation and continuous improvement of the laboratory's internal QM system, are mandatory and are described in the QM manual.
We always endeavour to offer the highest possible quality that corresponds to the current state of technical knowledge.
Sample material
Before the patient samples are processed, they are checked for the following points:
If incompleteness or errors are detected that lead to incorrect analysis results, the order is not processed. However, incorrect orders remain and are commented on accordingly. The client will be informed immediately.
Results of the laboratory analyses
The results of our laboratory analyses are subjected to technical and medical approval before they appear in the report. The technical approval always includes a check of the accuracy of the analysis, e.g. on the basis of the accompanying controls, the correct functioning of the equipment, the stability of the reagents, etc. It ensures that there are no doubts on the technical side. It ensures that there are no doubts about the result from the technical side. This always takes into account the pre-analysis.
During medical validation, the plausibility of the results is checked and interpreted on the basis of influencing variables, available clinical data and preliminary values.
Technical and medical approval is given by a BMA.
If further clarification is required or if there are any uncertainties, the client will be contacted by telephone.
Reports are generated electronically and automatically.
Internal and external quality controls
Internal and external quality controls are carried out on the basis of Qualab regulations.
Quality controls are used to ensure the precision, accuracy and reliability of the analysis results.
Internal quality controls are carried out several times a day or for each batch.
With POCT systems, internal control measurements are carried out at least every 2 weeks.
One or more control samples with different known concentrations are analysed. The result is compared with the target value and must be within the permitted tolerance range. Internal quality control can thus detect analytical problems that are attributable to the reagents or a device, so that measures can be initiated as quickly as possible to achieve the specified values.
Participation in external quality controls (round robin tests) takes place 4 times a year, depending on the analysis. For this purpose, a control provided by an external control centre and determined using the same analytical system is analysed.
The measured values are sent to the control centre and compared with the results of other participating laboratories. A statistical evaluation is carried out. The paediatric laboratory receives a report of this statistical evaluation, which lists and assesses the quality of the measured analyte. External quality control is used for targeted quality monitoring and for the subsequent detection of deviations or errors. If necessary, corrective measures are initiated.
Complaints and error handling
Despite extensive quality assurance and endeavours on our part to ensure the quality of our services, errors may occasionally occur. We therefore ask all clients to inform us immediately in the event of any findings that appear implausible.
Every reported abnormality or complaint, whether noticed internally or reported by the client, is documented and processed in the paediatric laboratory.
The aim is to ensure the requirements and satisfaction of our clients, but also to further develop our own quality system.
We have a documented procedure for handling complaints and errors. This procedure can be viewed on request.
In principle, only parameters listed in our analysis directory can be analysed.
The needs and requirements of our clients are at the centre of our work.
You can therefore inform us of your wishes and requirements for the introduction of new analyses at any time. Following a cost-benefit analysis, the laboratory management will discuss the feasibility of the project with the management.
The emergency programme shows the analyses that we offer outside of normal operation.
We endeavour to process all laboratory orders as quickly as possible. You will receive the results of general routine parameters within 2 hours, microscopic differentiations within 1 day, depending on the workload.
If it is an emergency order, please select the priority "Emergency" in i/med. The order will then be processed within 1 hour from Monday to Sunday, microscopic differentiations within 90 minutes (from Monday to Friday), unless the questions are complex.
Please note that our devices are serviced between 07:00 and 08:00, so there may be slight delays in order processing during this period.
Please also note that we can only fulfil laboratory orders (including capillary blood samples taken by the laboratory) once a definitive order request has been received. The order is entered by the client.
Orders outside of normal operation
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the paediatric laboratory is only available on call after 9.00 pm. In general, you should only send orders outside normal working hours if they really are emergency orders. Microscopic differentiations of blood counts and cerebrospinal fluid preparations that are to be carried out in emergency mode must also be notified by telephone by the responsible senior physician. In other cases, microscopic differentiations will not be carried out until the following day. An order outside of regular working hours is subject to a surcharge of 50 tax points.
Unfortunately, due to the relatively short sample stability, it is not possible for us to store samples for you until the next working day in order to process them routinely. (Exception: stool for OBTI test).
The i/med system from Dorner is used for electronic order entry by the paediatric laboratory (UKBB) and the University Hospital Basel (USB).
If you have problems with the information system or barcode printer, please contact the service desk team with Cc at Beatrice Jauslin and Vera Fanaj.
For a detailed description of order entry, see also Quick guide i/med (LIS).
You can find the training documents from the introduction day here: Training i/med.
If analyses are missing or if you wish to record new analyses in i/med, the following process is used:
Process Missing analyses in i/med
Please fill in the Form Missing analyses in i/med and send this via E-mail to the service desk.
The paediatric laboratory can only accept laboratory orders (including capillary blood samples) if a completed paediatric laboratory order form has been submitted.
The right order forms
The currently valid version of the order form can be found on our website www.ukbb.ch, in the closed area for referrers.
Please always use the latest version of the order form and do not make too many copies, as we are constantly updating the forms.
Please use the order form for analyses of chemistry, hormones, narcotic or metabolic prescriptions or parameters that are not carried out by the paediatric laboratory No.11 Paediatrics of the USB. This order form will be sent to you by the USB. If no more order forms are available, you can reorder them from the USB by fax (fax +41 61 265 46 00).
Shipping
If there is an order for the paediatric laboratory at UKBB, the USB order form no. 11 is also sent to the paediatric laboratory at UKBB. If there is only an order for the USB, order form no. 11 is sent directly to the USB.
Outpatient admission
If you refer patients directly to UKBB for a blood sample, they will be admitted via the Outpatient Department on the ground floor on arrival at UKBB.
Patient samples are considered potentially infectious and therefore dangerous goods. They must be transported in accordance with special regulations to protect people and the environment. Leakage of the sample should be prevented at all costs.
It is therefore essential to use special liquid-tight transport bags to protect the samples.
Samples are sent directly by the requesting department via pneumatic tube (or STA in the event of a pneumatic tube failure). Detailed instructions for the pneumatic tube system and STA can be found on the intranet.
The desired destination address is entered for the pneumatic tube system (five-digit number). A list of all numbers can be found next to the pneumatic tube systems. It is important that the sample material taken is forwarded to the appropriate laboratory immediately, regardless of the type, as the sample stabilities are different and can significantly influence the analysis results.
Sample dispatch for external senders
The paediatric laboratory offers all external senders free collection of sample material by courier. The Metropol courier service is available for this purpose and can be called out from 07.00 to 19.00.
We ask you to use the padded packaging material provided by us.
Please note that contaminated, leaked or broken sample material will not be accepted for safety reasons.
In such cases, the client will be informed by telephone.
The sample material will be returned if necessary.
Before the analyses are carried out, the incoming sample material is checked for defined criteria (clots, insufficient filling volume, etc.). If incompleteness or errors are detected during this check, we will inform you by telephone.
Repeat orders are possible at any time, provided the sample quantity is sufficient and the stability period of the sample can be maintained.
The stabilities can be found under the respective analyses. Notify the laboratory in advance of the repeat order so that the remaining sample quantity and sample stability can be checked.
A new order is generated, which is visible as a repeat order.
The executing BMA checks the possibility of realising the order extension according to laboratory medical criteria. The existing order is then extended or a new order is created. Repeat orders that require a new order are labelled as "repeat order".
If the repeat order cannot be realised, we will inform you by telephone.
Pre-analysis refers to all processes prior to the actual laboratory analysis, from the preparation for obtaining the sample, the actual sample collection from the patient, sample transport and processing in the laboratory.
Pre-analytical errors are the most common cause of implausible test results. As most pre-analytical procedures are beyond the control of the laboratory, this aspect can only be addressed in close co-operation between the laboratory and the senders.
If special attention is paid to pre-analysis, errors can be reduced and unnecessary costs due to control tests can be avoided. For this reason, we attach great importance to the information on pre-analysis in this laboratory book.
Paediatric laboratory (UKBB):
The sample quantity can be taken from the info box next to the sample material during electronic order entry in i/med.
This specified sample quantity corresponds to the minimum quantity, unless the addition: "precise" appears in square brackets. In this case, the sample quantity must correspond exactly to the tube volume.
USB:
Attention! Sample quantities are not stored for some analyses. There is a risk that the total volume of the respective material is displayed too low.
For sample quantities concerning the USB, please contact the respective department.
The aim of each examination is to obtain a sample that is representative of the patient's condition, suitable for the requested examination and only minimally altered by influences (sample collection, sample transport, etc.).
There are basically two types of test material that can be used for routine examinations: venous blood and capillary blood, which can be obtained from the finger or heel.
The blood composition in the various vascular areas is very different. About 65 % of the total blood volume is in the veins, only 20 % in the capillaries, the remaining 15 % fill the arterial legs.
Capacity changes in the venous and capillary system have a considerable effect on the distribution and composition of the blood. In the capillary system, the proportion of plasma increases with decreasing vessel width to the detriment of the cellular components and high-molecular substances, as plasma water and low-molecular substances increasingly flow into the pericapillary space. While the composition of the blood is largely constant in the arterial and venous vascular areas, metabolic and substance exchange processes take place in the capillary area, which can lead to very rapid changes over time.
On the other hand, in the typical stress or shock situation, the opposite phenomenon occurs: the capillary periphery is poorly perfused and does not provide representative results for the entire circulation. These physiological conditions clearly qualify venous blood sampling over capillary sampling.
When can capillary blood collection be used?
Capillary blood collection is the preferred method of sample collection for newborns and infants when very little blood is required. Under certain circumstances, capillary blood collection may also be the method of choice for older children, for example in the case of
In order to achieve comparable values, the conditions for blood collection should be as constant as possible.
As a rule, the blood sample is taken in the morning between 7 and 9 a.m. on the sober patients (12-hour fasting period). In exceptional cases, it is possible to deviate from these guidelines (e.g. admission of acute patients, checks following the administration of medication, etc.).
Outpatients should rest for at least 15 minutes before a blood sample is taken. Inform the patient or, if applicable, the legal guardian about the measure and its purpose. The time of collection must be selected when the order is entered in i/med.
Please also enter influencing variables such as anticoagulation for the interpretation of the coagulation and the medication (e.g. Neupogen) for the interpretation of the blood count in the i/med.
The UKBB uses monovettes and microvettes from Sarstedt.
The respective tubes have colour coding:
When an order is requested in i/med, the test material to be used is indicated on the label. Please always ensure that the appropriate sample material is labelled with the correct label.
NEVER fill a tube with the contents of another tube!
NEVER use a capillary with any other additive!
Monovettes for venous blood collection
Microvettes for capillary blood collection
Only monovettes that are used for analyses in the paediatric laboratory are listed. This also applies to information and instructions for sample collection.
For information on examinations that take place at the USB, please use the USB laboratory book, which is listed on the intranet under Quick Access.
We ask for your understanding in this regard. Changes made by the central laboratory to its analyses are not subject to our control.
The order of the blood collection tubes (venous)
1. heavy metal monovette with heavy metal-free needle (rare!)
2. blood culture (caution, avoid contamination!)
3. serum (red and beige), if without Coagulation activator
4. citrate (light blue)
5. serum (red and beige), if with Coagulation activator
6. lithium heparin (green)
7. EDTA (purple)
8. blood sedimentation (grey)
9. other (e.g. sodium fluoride, light grey)
If not all sample tubes are required, proceed in the same order as described above, omitting the sample tubes that are not required.
However, the citrate vial should not be used as the first sample vial, as this can falsify the coagulation tests. In this case, the first blood should be discarded before filling the citrate vessel to be on the safe side.
The order of the blood collection tubes (capillary)
1st BGA capillary
2. coagulation (light blue)
3. EDTA 200 µl (violet)
4. erythrocyte sedimentation rate (violet)
5. sodium fluoride (grey)
6. EDTA 500 µl (violet)
7. lithium heparin (green)
8. serum (red)
The sequence of capillary blood collection differs from venous blood collection, as clotting can occur more quickly here.
It is generally recommended that capillary blood collection is only carried out if little material is required. See also chapter: "Selecting the type of blood collection"
If not all sample tubes are required, proceed in the above order, omitting the sample tubes that are not required.
Citrate additive:
Citrate prevents the blood sample from clotting. The blood cells are centrifuged in the laboratory and the coagulation tests are analysed in citrate plasma, while the sedimentation reaction is carried out on citrate whole blood.
EDTA additive:
EDTA prevents the coagulation of the blood sample and the biological oxidation of sensitive components. EDTA blood is mainly used for haematological tests.
Heparin additive:
Heparin prevents the blood sample from clotting. Osmotic resistance is performed from heparinised whole blood.
Tubes containing additives must be mixed immediately after blood collection (do not shake).
Venous
Capillary
Please remember that the cell concentrations measured in capillary blood are not very representative of the total circulation. As a general rule, venous blood is more suitable than capillary blood. In direct comparison, a selective enrichment of leukocytes in the capillary area can be detected. Clinically significant differences - capillary blood > venous blood - of 1-4 leucocytes/µ are very common. Under these conditions, a slight leucopenia can be overlooked or a value in the upper normal range can be misinterpreted as a leucocytosis.
Important points when performing capillary blood sampling
Newborns and infants
If necessary, the laboratory can be called to take blood samples in special exceptional cases; the following process applies:
Bone marrow punctures and special blood samples, e.g. for pyruvate analyses and ketone body analyses, must be registered in advance and as early as possible by telephone.
Bone marrow
For a bone marrow puncture, it is necessary to register by telephone with the paediatric laboratory, if possible the day before at the latest.
The following information should be provided if possible:
Additional analyses and required material
Dab preparations
The paediatric laboratory must be informed in good time by telephone if swab preparations are to be made. The BMA produces the swab preparations.
The following information should be provided if possible:
Swab preparations
Swabs are taken from pustule contents or other skin rashes. The paediatric laboratory must be informed by telephone for the preparation of swab specimens.
The attending physician prepares the swab specimens, the BMA is present. The diagnosis or question should be communicated to the paediatric laboratory if possible.
Pyruvate
For the pyruvate analysis, a telephone appointment with the paediatric laboratory is necessary. The laboratory must be present when the venous blood sample is taken.
The doctor or nursing staff will unstowed Approx. 1 mL of blood is taken in a native syringe (without additives). The collected material is handed over to the BMA present, which immediately pipettes the blood in a ratio of 1:2 into ice-cold 8% perchloric acid.
Further processing and sample dispatch takes place in the paediatric laboratory.
Keto body
For the keto body analysis, it is necessary to register by telephone with the paediatric laboratory. A biomedical analyst must be present during the venous blood collection. The doctor or nurse draws approx. 1 mL of native blood (without additives) in a syringe. The collected material is handed over to the biomedical analyst, who analyses the blood sample.
the blood is immediately mixed in a 1:2 ratio with ice-cold 8%iger perchloric acid. Further processing and sample dispatch takes place in the paediatric laboratory.
Lymphocyte vacuoles or inclusion bodies
Native smears are required for the determination of lymphocyte vacuoles. The paediatric laboratory must be informed by telephone in good time.
The collected native blood is handed over to the biomedical analyst, who immediately prepares several smears.
Ammonia
EDTA tubes must be stored on ice immediately after collection and dispatched in the same way. An ice machine is located in the paediatric laboratory and the ice can be collected there.
The removal of ammonia should before other tubes.
PFA
A telephone appointment with the paediatric laboratory is required for the PFA analysis. The blood sample for the PFA analysis must be unstowed must be carried out. Only venous sample material can be processed.
A new puncture must be made for the PFA analysis.
Procedure:
1. request a special PFA monovette from the paediatric laboratory
2. after the vein has been punctured, first take a serum monovette, this can be discarded if not required
3. fill the PFA monovette exactly to the mark
4. carefully tilt the tubes after removal
5. label the removed PFA monovette with the barcode
6. the tube must be brought to the paediatric laboratory in person within 15 minutes (not by pneumatic tube) are
Hb electrophoresis
Hb electrophoresis is carried out at Aarau Cantonal Hospital. The analysis can be recorded in i/med (Haematology USB/HB electrophoresis Aarau) and the sample material can be sent to the USB by pneumatic tube.
Notes:
A complete blood count (CBC) must also be requested for the paediatric laboratory (UKBB). The cumulative findings (CBC) are printed out by the ward / department and sent to the USB with the sample material.
Removal from external accesses and port catheters
Tapping from the pipe is generally permitted, but special precautions must be taken.
Liquor
The sample is taken in several portions in sterile tubes. Due to the rapid lysis of cellular components in the CSF, it is essential that the material is transported to the laboratory immediately after collection, otherwise it is not possible to correctly determine the cell count or differentiate the cells.
The cell count and cell differentiation cannot be determined from coagulated CSF.
Stool (only for OBTI test and Apt test)
Collection of the test material: Deposit the faeces without urine in a clean container (bedpan or similar). Take a bean-sized amount using the spoon of the faeces tube. For liquid faeces, transfer approx. 3 - 5 ml sample into the container.
Apt test
The Apt test can be carried out from vomit or faeces. The material must be visibly bloody (fresh red colour).
Incoming sample material is checked by the paediatric laboratory for clear criteria.
Some pre-analytical errors cause the samples not to be processed. Non-processing of the samples can be caused by
In such cases, the client will be informed by telephone. The type of complaint with a visa of the BMA concerned is indicated in the findings.
In the case of other pre-analytical errors that suggest a change in the analysis results, the results are transmitted and labelled with a note. The additional information: "Value with reservation" or "Results questionable" indicates that a further blood sample is recommended to check the results.
Examples:
All errors are documented in the laboratory and analysed regularly. We will inform you of the results of this evaluation. With this measure, we want to involve all stations in order to reduce pre-analytical errors. The aim is to prevent sources of error in connection with analysis results. The well-being of the patient is our top priority!
Patient mix-ups
Mixing up patients when taking blood samples is one of the biggest sources of error. It is therefore important to find out the correct identity of the patient when taking the sample. Please make sure that the patient's name is correct. Only label the sample tubes when taking the blood sample and not before, as this could lead to confusion.
Haemolytic samples
Haemolysis is in most cases a sign of poorly performed blood collection. Analyses cannot be performed on haemolytic samples; in the paediatric laboratory this only applies to coagulation, as we do not offer any other determinations from plasma. In the case of haemolysis, it is also very likely that the blood in the tube has also coagulated and the coagulation factors have already been used up. "Slightly" haemolytic samples are submitted with the note: "Slightly haemolytic".
Coagulated samples
Coagulated samples also indicate that the blood sample was not taken properly. Make sure to mix the tube well after blood collection and do not overfill tubes. It is not possible to process an order with a coagulated sample.
We inform the client by telephone.
Incorrect filling volume
For coagulation tests and erythrocyte sedimentation rates, the tubes must be filled to the mark for correct determination. The ratio between citrate and blood must be exactly 1:10 for coagulation and exactly 1:5 for ESR. Tubes that are overfilled or underfilled with a deviation >10% cannot be processed by us. The client will be informed by telephone.
Special case: EDTA incompatibility of the thrombocytes
There are patients in whom the platelets agglutinate after some time in the blood collection tube in the presence of EDTA. These platelet aggregates are not recognised as platelets by the analysis devices, which leads to falsely low platelet values. This phenomenon is called "pseudothrombocytopenia". If pseudothrombocytopenia is suspected, the determination from a blood collection tube should be repeated with a different anticoagulant. Both an EDTA and a lithium heparin should be taken again. In this case, we will inform you by telephone and ask you to send both tubes to the paediatric laboratory immediately after collection.
Changes in sample properties can occur in the time between sample collection and sample analysis. For this reason, there is a defined sample stability for each sample and analysis. The analysis must be carried out within this period. For this reason, we ask you to send the sample material as quickly as possible.
The most common causes of changes in sample quality are
The respective sample stabilities are documented in the chapter: "Analyses of the paediatric laboratory".
Examined samples are stored in the paediatric laboratory for a period of time defined for the respective analysis and sample type. Information on storage times and whether any repeat orders or repeat tests are possible can be obtained from the laboratory by telephone.
Training in capillary blood collection
Or on the Easylearn learning platform: https://easylearn.ukbb.ch/ under learning offer:
- Capillary blood sampling
- Carrying out blood gas analyses at the ABL
- The measurement of the C-reactive protein on the Afinion
- Measuring urine on the Cobas U 411
- The measurement of haemoglobin A1c on the (HbA1c) on the DCA Vantage
1. routine analyses
2. emergency analyses
3. emergency analyses outside of normal operation
The paediatric laboratory will repeat analyses without being asked and immediately whenever abnormalities occur and sufficient sample material is available.
We recommend a new sampling, with a new sample request, if there are still general doubts about the result even after repetition, e.g. due to possible sampling errors that could not be clarified in advance or interfering factors in the sample material.
In such cases, the findings are provided with corresponding text modules.
Standard values are also referred to as Reference values are designated. They are mainly used in laboratory medicine in order to be able to categorise measured values and thus provide an orientation as to whether a parameter is pathological (abnormal) or not.
Reference values are age- and gender-dependent and often depend on factors such as methods, reagents and equipment.
Wherever possible, our reference intervals are adapted to these factors.
The gender and age-specific reference values are automatically indicated on the report.
Reports of findings are available to internal clients in electronic form and rarely in written form (osmotic resistance).
Only when the results have been medically validated in the LIS, i.e. checked for plausibility and approved, are the electronic findings reports automatically generated as PDFs in i/med and the written findings created.
Please note that laboratory results are confidential patient documents that are subject to data protection. They may only be viewed by the attending physician or consultant.
Reports of findings must be disposed of separately (disposal of data protection).
The forwarding of diagnostic reports to external doctors (e.g. GPs) is only possible with the patient's consent (exception: referring doctor).
For external senders, the report of findings is sent by fax and A Mail.
Alarm values, i.e. laboratory results that could lead to critical, life-threatening events, are always communicated by telephone and transmitted electronically at the same time.
Before you start a study or scientific work, plan your study with all those involved. Follow the instructions on the page: Home > Research.
The paediatric laboratory will be happy to advise you on planning laboratory diagnostics at the UKBB.
Please bear in mind that the analyses to be carried out by the paediatric laboratory must be organised in such a way that we can maintain daily routine operations without restrictions.
To help us achieve this, we ask you to observe the following rules:
All persons in the paediatric laboratory who are involved in any way in a clinical study are subject to a duty of confidentiality. Absolute confidentiality is maintained.
Here you will find an alphabetical list of the paediatric laboratory's analyses.
The smallest possible volume of the corresponding microvette or monovette is always specified as the volume.
Method:
microscopic (May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining)
Availability:
Mon-Fri by telephone arrangement
Material:
Secretions from pustules or skin rashes
Sample treatment:
Volume:
If possible, several smears are made
Reference range:
Customised
Remark/special feature:
Clinical information required
Reorder:
Not applicable
Synonym:
Heparin activity, heparin therapy, factor anti-Xa activity
Method:
chromogenic / photometric
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Citrate plasma, monovettes/microvettes light blue
Sample treatment:
Carefully mix the sample tubes immediately after removal.
The sample tube must be filled exactly to the mark.
External senders: The sample material must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 4 hours.
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.5 ml or 1 ml
Reference range / therapeutic areas:
Reorder:
4 h
Remark/special feature:
The anti-Xa activity method is offered in the paediatric laboratory for testing low molecular weight or fractionated heparin (NMW) and high molecular weight or unfractionated heparin (UFH).
When requesting an order in i/med, it is essential to select the correct therapy.
Synonym:
Heparin activity, heparin therapy, factor anti-Xa activity
Method:
chromogenic / photometric
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Citrate plasma, monovettes/microvettes light blue
Sample treatment:
Carefully mix the sample tubes immediately after removal.
The sample tube must be filled exactly to the mark.
External senders: The sample material must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 4 hours.
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.5 ml or 1 ml
Reference range / therapeutic areas:
Reorder:
4 h
Remark/special feature:
The anti-Xa activity method is offered in the paediatric laboratory for testing low molecular weight or fractionated heparin (NMW) and high molecular weight or unfractionated heparin (UFH).
When requesting an order in i/med, it is essential to select the correct therapy.
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Vomit/stool
Volume:
Stool: Bean-sized portion or approx. 3 - 5 ml sample for liquid material
Reference range:
negative
Remark/special feature:
Only possible with visibly bloody stools (fresh, red blood)
Method:
coagulometric / photometric
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Citrate plasma, monovettes/microvettes light blue
Sample treatment:
Carefully mix the sample tubes immediately after removal.
The sample tube must be filled exactly to the mark.
External senders: The sample material must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 4 hours.
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.5 ml or 1 ml
Reference range:
20-45 sec
Therapeutic areas:
68-80 sec
Reorder:
4 h
Method:
according to Westergren
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Monovettes: Na citrate 1:5 grey
Microvettes: Na-citrate 1:5 violet
Sample treatment:
Fill the capillary of the microvette end-to-end (free of air bubbles)
Fill the monovette exactly to the mark
The sample must be in the paediatric laboratory no later than 2 hours after collection
Volume:
Monovette: 2 ml, Microvette: 200 µl
Reference range:
Macro lowering: 0-10 mm /h
Micro subsidence: 0-10 mm/ h
Method:
cytochemical
Availability:
Mon-Fri by telephone appointment
Material:
EDTA whole blood monovettes: violet, microvettes: violet
CSF native
Slide smears EDTA
Slide smears Native
Bone marrow smears native
CSF smears native
Sample treatment:
External senders: Send EDTA blood to the paediatric laboratory within 2 hours (smears must be prepared within 2 hours of blood collection)
Volume:
EDTA: Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Blood/bone marrow, 2-4 smears each
Cerebrospinal fluid: 1 smear
Reference range:
Individual see report of findings
Remark/special feature:
Clinical information required
Reorder:
2 h (smears must be prepared within 2 h), if smears are already available, they can be reordered for iron colouring for up to several months
Method:
Resistance measuring principle, hydrodynamic focussing
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet
Microvettes: violet
Sample treatment:
External senders: EDTA whole blood must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 6 hours
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Remarks:
Request i/med: CBC or complete blood count
Reference range:
Individual depending on parameters, age group and gender, see findings report
Reorder:
6 h
Method:
Coagulometric / Photometric
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Citrate plasma, monovettes/microvettes light blue
Sample treatment:
Carefully mix the sample tubes immediately after removal.
The sample tube must be filled exactly to the mark.
External senders: The sample material must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 4 hours.
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.5 ml or 1 ml
Reference range:
1.7 - 4.1 g/l
Reorder:
4 h
Method:
Microscopically (counting of fragmentocytes per 1000 erythrocytes)
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet
Microvettes: violet
Native smears (by paediatric laboratory)
Sample treatment:
External senders: EDTA whole blood must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 6 hours
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.3 ml
Reference range:
negative (exception: premature babies)
Reorder:
6 h
Synonym:
Haematogram V
Method:
Photometric, resistance measurement principle, fluorescence flow cytometry, hydrodynamic focussing
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet
Microvettes: violet
Sample treatment:
External senders: The sample material must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 6 hours
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Remarks/Special features:
The flags transmitted by the device apply merely as indications, not as findings.
Reference range:
Individual depending on parameters, age group and gender, see findings report
Reorder:
6 h (Attention! Microscopic differentiation 2 h)
Method:
Resistance measuring principle, hydrodynamic focussing
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet
Microvettes: violet
Sample treatment:
External senders: EDTA whole blood must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 6 hours
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Remarks:
Request in i/med: CBC or complete blood count
Reference range:
Individual depending on parameters, age group and gender, see findings report
Reorder:
6 h
Method:
Photometric
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet
Microvettes: violet
Sample treatment:
External senders: EDTA whole blood must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 6 hours
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Remarks:
Request in i/med: CBC or complete blood count
Reference range:
Individual depending on age group and gender, see findings report
Reorder:
6 h
Synonym:
Haematogram II
Method:
Photometric, resistance measurement principle, fluorescence flow cytometry, hydrodynamic focussing
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet
Microvettes: violet
Sample treatment:
External senders: The sample material must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 6 hours
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Reference range:
Individual depending on parameters, age group and gender, see findings report
Reorder:
6 h for automatic differentiations
2 h for microscopic differentiations
Method:
Fluorescence flow cytometry
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet
Microvettes: violet
Sample treatment:
External senders: EDTA whole blood must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 6 hours
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.3 ml
Remarks:
Request in i/med: CBC or complete blood count
Reference range:
Individual depending on age group and gender, see findings report
Reorder:
6 h
Method:
Microscopic (May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining)
Availability:
Mon-Fri by telephone appointment
Material:
Native smears (by paediatric laboratory)
Volume:
At least 3 smears
Reference range:
neg
Remark/special feature:
Native smears are required for the determination of lymphocyte vacuoles The paediatric laboratory must be informed by telephone in good time
Method:
calculated
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet
Microvettes: violet
Sample treatment:
External senders: EDTA whole blood must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 6 hours
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Remarks:
Request in i/med: CBC or complete blood count
Reference range:
Individual depending on age group and gender, see findings report
Reorder:
6 h
Method:
calculated
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet
Microvettes: violet
Sample treatment:
External senders: EDTA whole blood must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 6 hours
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Remarks:
Request in i/med: CBC or complete blood count
Reference range:
Individual depending on age group and gender, see findings report
Reorder:
6 h
Method:
calculated
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet
Microvettes: violet
Sample treatment:
External senders: EDTA whole blood must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 6 hours
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Remarks:
Request in i/med: CBC or complete blood count
Reference range:
Individual depending on age group and gender, see findings report
Reorder:
6 h
Method:
microscopic (May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining)
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet
Microvettes: violet
External sender: Native smears
Sample treatment:
External senders: Smears for microscopic differentiation must be prepared within 2 hours after blood collection
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
2-4 smears
Reference range:
Individual depending on parameters, age group and gender, see findings report
Reorder:
2 h (Smears must be prepared within 2 h, smears are often available and are stored for 6 days. Please inform yourself by telephone)
Method:
microscopic (May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining)
Availability:
Mon-Fri by telephone appointment
Outside office hours only with telephone registration of the senior physician
Material:
Bone marrow smears native
Sample treatment:
The smears are prepared by the BMA directly during the puncture
Volume:
Depending on the material and diagnosis, between 15 and 40 smears are made
Reference range:
Customised, see Bone marrow reference values
Remark/special feature:
Clinical information required
Always order GBB with microscopic differentiation and reticulocytes (should be available from the same day or previous day)
Method:
microscopic (May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining)
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Native CSF
Sample treatment:
Depending on the indication, between 2 and 6 cerebrospinal fluid preparations are produced
Volume:
At least 0.5 ml
Reference range:
Leukocytes 0-10 µl / (of which 90% lymphocytes)
Erythrocytes 0/ µl
Remark/special feature:
Reorder:
1h (The smears must be prepared within 1h, smears are often available. Please call for more information).
Method:
microscopic (May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining)
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Native punctate fluid
Punctate fluid in EDTA
Sample treatment:
Depending on the material quality, several punctate preparations are produced
Volume:
At least 0.5 ml
Reference range:
Normal punctates are low in cells. The following guide values apply to joint punctates:
Normal: Leucocytes: 50-100/ µl
Non-flammable: 200-1000/ µl
Inflammatory: >3000/ µl
Differentiation:
Lymphocytes: 24 %
Monocytes: 48 %
Granulocytes: 7 %
Remark/special feature:
Reorder:
2 h
Smears are often available and are kept for 6 days, please contact us by telephone.
Synonym:
Occult test
Method:
Immunochromatography
Availability:
Mon-Fri
Material:
Native chair
Volume:
Bean-sized portion
Reference range:
negative
Remark/special feature:
- Samples from patients with bleeding (haemorrhoids, menstruation) should not be used.
- Alcohol abuse, treatment with aspirin, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, corticosteroids and reserpine can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Polyps and colorectal tumours can bleed intermittently.
Method:
Lysis before and after incubation
Availability:
Mon-Thu by appointment by telephone
Material:
Heparin whole blood, monovettes green
For GBB with microscopic differentiation and reticulocytes: EDTA whole blood, monovettes/microvettes violet
Volume:
Heparin whole blood: 2 x 1.2ml
EDTA whole blood: monovette: 1.2 ml, microvette: 0.2 ml
Remark/special feature:
Method:
cytochemical
Availability:
Mon-Fri by telephone appointment
Material:
EDTA whole blood monovettes: violet, microvettes: violet
CSF native
Native punctate
Slide smears EDTA
Slide smears Native
Bone marrow smears native
CSF preparation native
Punctate preparation native
Sample treatment:
External senders: Send EDTA blood to the paediatric laboratory within 2 hours (smears must be prepared within 2 hours of blood collection)
Volume:
EDTA: Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Blood/bone marrow, 2-4 smears each
Cerebrospinal fluid/spot, 1 smear each
Reference range:
Individual see report of findings
Remark/special feature:
Clinical information required
Reorder:
2 h (smears must be prepared within 2 h); if smears are already available, they can be reordered for PAS staining for several months.
Synonym:
Platelet function test
Method:
Closure time in vitro after platelet adhesion to collagen/epinephrine, collagen/adenosine diphosphate
Availability:
Mon-Fri
Material:
Buffered citrated whole blood, turquoise monovette
Sample treatment:
Sample must be brought to the laboratory (do not send by tube post)
Volume:
Monovette: 3.8 ml
Remarks/Special features:
The blood sample for the PFA analysis must be unstowed is performed. After the vein has been punctured, a serum monovette is taken first. For detailed instructions, see chapter: Preanalytics/ Special analysis and acceptance procedure/PFA
Reference range:
Collagen/epinephrine 84-160 sec Collagen/adenosine diphosphate: 68-121 sec
Method:
Potentiometric, amperometric, absorption spectometric
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Heparinised blood gas syringe
Heparinised blood gas capillaries
Sample treatment:
Perform analysis from blood gas syringe within 30 min, perform analysis from blood gas capillary immediately
Volume:
Syringe: 0.5- 2 ml, capillary: 100 (ABL) 200 µl (Cobas)
Reference range:
Depending on age, material and method, see Radiometer reference values
Remark/special feature:
The default settings of the devices:
Emergency:
pH, pCO2, pO2, Hb, SO2, Na, K, Cl–, Gluc, Lac (capillary FLEXMODUS)
Alternatively selectable: Gluc, Lac (capillary glu/lac)
Alternatively selectable: pH, pCO2, pO2, Hb, SO2, MetHb, COHb, O2Hb (capillary 55 µl)
Alternatively selectable: pH, pCO2, pO2, Hb, SO2, Na, K, Cl–, Gluc, Lac, MetHb, COHb, O2Hb, HHb (intoxication capillary)
IPS/NEOFK
pH, pCO2, pO2, Hb, SO2, MetHb, COHb, HHb, HbF, Na, K, iCa, Cl–, Gluc, Lac, Bili (plastic calibre 95 µl)
Alternatively selectable: pH, pCO2, pO2, Hb, SO2, Bili, (capillary 55 µl)
OPS
pH, pCO2, pO2, tHb, SO2Na, K, Ca++, Cl–, Gluc, Lac, MetHb, COHb, O2Hb, HHb
Alternatively selectable: pH, pCO2, pO2, Hb, SO2, Na, K, Cl–, Gluc, Lac (capillary FLEXMODUS)
Alternatively selectable: pH, pCO2, pO2, Hb, SO2, MetHb, COHb, O2Hb (capillary 55 µl)
Microclots and air interfere with the blood gas analysis. No measurement is possible.
Reorder:
not possible
Method:
immunochemical
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood, monovette/microvette violet
or
Lithium heparin whole blood or plasma, monovette/microvette light green
or
BGA capillary
Volume:
Fill the 1.5 µl glass capillary from the material above
Reference range:
< 10 mg/L
Remark/special feature:
2 days
Method:
Absorption spectrometric
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Heparinised blood gas syringe
Heparinised blood gas capillaries
Sample treatment:
Perform analysis from blood gas syringe within 30 min, perform analysis from blood gas capillary immediately
Volume:
Syringe: 0.5- 2 ml, capillary: 100 (ABL) 200 µl (Cobas)
Reference range:
Remark/special feature:
Reorder:
not possible
Method:
photometric
Availability:
Mon-Fri
Material:
EDTA whole blood, monovette/microvette violet
or heparin whole blood, monovette/microvette green
Volume:
Filling the 1 µl glass capillary from 1.2 ml EDTA whole blood (monovette) or from 0.2/0.5 ml EDTA whole blood (microvette) or from 1.2 ml heparin (monovette) or from 0.5 ml heparin (microvette)
Reference range:
Normal range: 3-6 %
Diabetics with diabetes: 6-8 %
Poorly controlled diabetics: -20 %
Remark/special feature:
2 days
Method:
Test strips (photometric evaluation)
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Urine
Monovette yellow
Volume:
Monovette: 10 ml or beaker
Reference range:
SG 1.015-1.025
pH 4.8-7.4
LEU neg
NIT neg
PRO neg
GLU standard
KET neg
UGB standard
BIL neg
ERY neg
Remark/special feature:
Use fresh urine, instruct the patient precisely regarding the collection of midstream urine
Reordering/stability:
2 h
Synonym:
Myeloperoxidase
Method:
cytochemical
Availability:
Mon-Fri by telephone appointment
Material:
EDTA whole blood monovettes: violet, microvettes: violet
Slide smears EDTA
Slide smears Native
Bone marrow smears native
Sample treatment:
External senders: Send EDTA blood to the paediatric laboratory within 2 hours (smears must be prepared within 2 hours of blood collection)
Volume:
EDTA: Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Blood/bone marrow, 2-4 smears each
Reference range:
Individual see report of findings
Remark/special feature:
Clinical information required
Reorder:
2 h (smears must be prepared within 2 h), if smears are already available, they can be reordered for POX staining within 2 days
Synonym:
Thromboplastin time
Method:
Coagulometric / photometric
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Citrate plasma, monovettes/microvettes light blue
Sample treatment:
Carefully mix the sample tubes immediately after removal.
The sample tube must be filled exactly to the mark.
External senders: The sample material must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 4 hours.
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.5 ml
Reference range:
70 – 120 %
Therapeutic area
See INR value
Reorder:
4 h
Method:
Coagulometric / Photometric
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Citrate plasma, monovettes/microvettes light blue
Sample treatment:
Carefully mix the sample tubes immediately after removal.
The sample tube must be filled exactly to the mark.
External senders: The sample material must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 4 hours.
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.5 ml or 1.0 ml
Reference range:
0.9-1.1
Therapeutic area:
2-3 depending on indication
Remark/special feature:
With oral anticoagulation
Reorder:
4 h
Method:
Fluorescence flow cytometry
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet
Microvettes: violet
Sample treatment:
External senders: The sample material must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 6 hours
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Reference range:
Individual depending on parameters, age group and gender, see findings report
Reorder:
6 h
Method:
cytochemical
Availability:
Mon-Fri by telephone appointment
Material:
EDTA whole blood monovettes: violet, microvettes: violet
Liquor Native
Native punctate
Slide smears EDTA
Native slide smears
Bone marrow smears native
CSF preparations native
Punctate preparation native
Sample treatment:
External senders: Send EDTA blood to the paediatric laboratory within 2 hours (smears must be prepared within 2 hours of blood collection)
Volume:
EDTA: Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Blood/bone marrow, 2-4 smears each
Punctate/cerebrospinal fluid, 1 smear each
Reference range:
Individual see report of findings
Remark/special feature:
Clinical information required
Reorder:
2 h (smears must be prepared within 2 h); if smears are already available, they can be reordered for acid phosphatase staining for up to 24 h
Method:
Microscopy of a blood preparation produced under oxygen deprivation
Availability:
Mon-Fri by telephone appointment
Material:
Fresh EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet, microvettes: violet
Volume:
EDTA: Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
2-4 blood smears each
Reference range:
negative
Remark/special feature:
Haemoglobin electrophoresis is recommended if sickle cells are detected and sickle cell anaemia is suspected
Reordering/Sample stability:
24 hours after removal
Method:
Resistance measurement principle, fluorescence flow cytometry
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet
Microvettes: violet
Sample treatment:
External senders: The sample material must arrive at the paediatric laboratory within 6 hours
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Remarks:
Request in i/med: CBC or complete blood count
Reference range:
Individualised depending on age and gender, see findings form
Reorder:
6 h
Method:
Resistance measuring principle
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
EDTA whole blood
Monovettes: violet
Microvettes: violet
Volume:
Monovette: 1.2 ml, Microvette: 0.2 ml
Reference range:
Customised according to indication
Remark/special feature:
After platelet concentrate administration, the platelet 10-minute value is determined in order to monitor the increase; only the platelet count may be used from the results of the small blood count.
Method:
microscopic (May-Grünwald-Giemsa)
Availability:
Mon-Fri by telephone arrangement
Material:
Different tissues or organs
Volume:
If possible, several preparations are made
Remark/special feature:
The paediatric laboratory must be informed in good time by telephone if swab preparations are to be made. The BMA produces the swab preparations.
Clinical information required
Reorder:
Not applicable
Method:
Chamber counting
Fluorescence flow cytometry (for cell-rich cerebrospinal fluid)
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Native CSF
Sample treatment:
Volume:
At least 0.5 ml
Reference range:
Leucocytes (age: 1 day - 1 month): 0-10 /µl
Leukocytes (age: > 1 month): 0-5 /µl
Erythrocytes 0/ µl
Remark/special feature:
Clinical information required
The erythrocytes are given in steps of 1000 in the automatic cell count
Reorder:
CSF must be sent to the paediatric laboratory immediately after collection. The cell count should be performed within 30 minutes.
Method:
Chamber counting
Fluorescence flow cytometry (for cell-rich punctate)
Availability:
Mon-Fri and emergency
Material:
Native punctate fluid
Punctate fluid in EDTA
Sample treatment:
Volume:
At least 0.5 ml
Reference range:
Normal punctates are low in cells. The following guide values apply to joint punctates:
Normal: Leucocytes: 50-100/ µl
Non-flammable: 200-1000/ µl
Inflammatory: >3000/ µl
Remark/special feature:
Clinical information required
The erythrocytes are given in steps of 1000 for the automated cell count
Reorder:
2 h
Device comparisons
For current comparative values of test results between different laboratory devices, please contact the laboratory by telephone.
Table for conversion to SI units
List of criteria for a microscopic differential blood count
Morphological assessment of the differential blood count
Information on measurement uncertainties can be obtained by calling the laboratory.
The failure concept is intended to ensure that laboratory medical services can be carried out smoothly even during system failures. To simplify the procedure for nursing staff, we have summarised the most important points.
USB form Application for cancellation of a laboratory order (ONLY FOR USB)
Paediatric laboratory order form (For external senders and in case of system failure (can be filled in electronically -> select download)
Capillary blood collection at UKBB
Form Missing analyses in i/med (If the file does not open -> select download -> save document)
Form POCT analyses during system failure (can be filled in electronically, please click on the blue "open" button at the top left and select "open in browser" after you have opened the document).
058 387 78 82 (Costs are settled via the health insurance company)
In the event of an emergency abroad, call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find the contact details on your health insurance card.
145 (Poison and Information Centre)
University Children's Hospital of both
Basel, Spitalstrasse 33
4056 Basel | CH
Phone +41 61 704 12 12
© UKBB, 2025
The Medgate Kids Line provides quick and uncomplicated medical advice if your child is unwell. The medical team of our partner Medgate is available to you by telephone around the clock.
For emergencies abroad: Call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find this number on your health insurance card.
More information: On the Page of the emergency ward you will find everything you need to know about behaviour in emergencies, typical childhood illnesses and waiting times.
144 Outpatient clinic
145 Tox Info Suisse (Poisonings)
117 Police
118 Fire brigade
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