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)®. 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.  

Alternate: Serum

Draw blood in a gold top (serum separater) gel tube(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 serum refrigerated.

Specimen stability:

8 hours at room temperature

7 days at 2-8°C

30 days when frozen at  ≤ -20°C

Minimum volume:    1 mL