Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred: Plasma

Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube. For pediatric specimens, 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, the phlebotomist’s initials and as plasma. 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. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of draw, the phlebotomist’s initials and as serum. Spin down and send in original VACUTAINER(S)®. Avoid exposure of specimen to atmosphere. (Do not transfer or open tube.) 

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

Specimen rejection criteria:

Hemoyzed specimens are not acceptable.