Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred:

Plasma

Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s) following an overnight (12-14 hour) fast. For pediatric specimen, draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) MICROTAINER(S)®. Spin down and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated. 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 seratator) tube(s) following an overnight (12-14 hour) fast. Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated. 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:    5 days at 2-8°C                                   

                                     14 days at ≥ -20°C

                                      Indefinitely when stored at   ≥ -70°C

Minimum volume:       1 mL