Specimen Requirements

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 s green-top (lithium heparin) MICROTAINER(S)®. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of draw and the phlebotomist’s initials. Spin down and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated. Protect specimen from light.

Alternate:

Serum

Draw blood in a gold top (serum separater) gel tube. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of draw and the phlebotomist’s initials. Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated. Protect specimen from light.

Specimen stability:

8 hours at room temperature when spun

5 days refrigerated at 2-8°C

3 months when frozen at ≤-20°C 

Minimum volume:

1 mL

Specimen rejection criteria:

Hemolyzed samples are not acceptable.