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 in original VACUTAINER(S)®. Avoid exposure of specimen to atmosphere. (Do not transfer or open tube.)

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 in original VACUTAINER(S)®. Avoid exposure of specimen to atmosphere. (Do not transfer or open tube.) 

Hemolyzed specimens are not acceptable.

Specimen stability:

8 hours at room temperature when spun 

3 days refrigerated at 2-8°C

60 days when frozen at  ≤ -20°C

Minimum volume:    1 mL