Specimen Requirements

Draw blood in a light green-top (lithium heparin) plasma gel tube(s). For pediatric specimen, draw blood in a 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.

Hemolyzed specimens are not acceptable.

Specimen stability:   4 hours at room temperature when spun
                                    5 days at 2-8°C
                                     2 months when frozen at ≥-20°C 
Minimum volume:    1 mL