Specimen Requirements

Draw blood in a gold-top (serum separater) gel tube(s). For pediatric specimen, draw blood in a red-top MICROTAINER(S)®. Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated. Afternoon (4 p.m.) specimen is desirable .

Indicate time of draw on the request form.

Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of draw, and phlebotomist’s initials.

Specimen stability:

8 hours at room temperature

2 days when refrigerated at 2-8°C

Indefinitely if frozen at  ≤ -20°C

Minimum volume:        1 mL

Specimen rejection criteria:

Hemolyzed specimens are not acceptable.