Specimen Requirements

Plasma

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)®. Spin down and send 1 mL of plasma refrigerated. Do not use samples that have been stored at room temperature for more than 4 hours. Label the specimen with the patient's name, date of birth, date and time of collection and the phlebotomist's initials.

Specimen stability:   

4 hours at room temperature 

2 days refrigerated at 2-8°C

Freeze at ≤ -20°C for longer storage

Minimum volume:    

1 mL

Specimen rejection criteria: Hemolyzed specimens are unacceptable.