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. 

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.

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:

3 days at room temperature

7 days at 2-8°C

1 month at ≤ -20°C

Minimum volume:   0.5 mL