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)®. Spin down and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of draw, phlebotomist’s initials, and as plasma.

Alternate: Serum

Draw blood in a gold-top (serum separater) gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum.  Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of draw, phlebotomist’s initials, and as serum.

Specimen stability:   24 hours at room temperature when spun
                                    7 days at 2-8°C
                                     3 months frozen at ≥ -20°C 
Minimum volume:    1 mL