Specimen Requirements

Plasma or serum and urine are required for this test and must be obtained within 72 hours of each other.

Plasma or Serum - Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred:

Plasma

Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s). For pediatric specimens, draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) MICROTAINER(S)®. Spin down and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated.

Note: 

1. Indicate plasma on request form.

2. The patient should be off medications for at least 1 week. If clinically inappropriate to discontinue medications, forward a list of medications with the specimen.

3. Patient’s height and weight are required on request form for processing.

4. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of draw, phlebotomist’s initials, and as plasma.

Alternate:

Serum

Draw blood in a serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated.

Note: 

1. Indicate serum on request form.

2. The patient should be off medications for at least 1 week. If clinically inappropriate to discontinue medications, forward a list of medications with the specimen.

3. Patient’s height and weight are required on request form for processing.

4. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of draw, phlebotomist’s initials, and as serum.

Must also submit-

Urine

2 mL from a 24-hour urine collection. No preservative. Mix well before taking 2-mL aliquot. (An entire 24-hour urine collection is also acceptable.) Refrigerate specimen during collection, and send specimen refrigerated in a plastic urine container.

Note: 

1. The patient should be off medications for at least 1 week. If clinically inappropriate to discontinue medications, forward a list of medications with the specimen.

2. Patient’s height and weight and 24-hour volume are required on request form for processing.

3. See “Urine Collection” in “Special Instructions” for 24-hour specimens.

4. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of collection, collector’s initials and as urine.

Specimen stability:  Plasma or serum and urine must be obtained within 72 hours of each other.

    Plasma or Serum:   7 days at 2-8°C (Refrigeration preferred)

                                    1 day at room temperature

                                    3 months frozen at ≥-20°C

   Urine:                       4 days at 2-8°C (Refrigeration preferred)

                                   8 hours at room temperature

                                   Indefinite when frozen at ≥-20°C

Minimum volume:    2 mL