Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred:

Plasma

Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s). For pediatric specimen, draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) MICROTAINER(S)®. (Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.) Spin down and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated.

Note: 

1. Indicate plasma on request form.

2. 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). (Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.) Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated.

Note:  

1. Indicate serum on request form.

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

Specimen stability:

8 hours at 25°C

7 days at 2-8°C

6 months when frozen at ≤ -20°C 

Minimum volume:    1 mL