Specimen Requirements

Serum

Draw blood in a gold-top (serum separater) gel tube or a plain (no additive) red-top tube from a fasting patient. (Non-fasting specimens are accepted for special studies). Label the specimen with the patient's name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of collection and the phlebotomist's initials. Separate serum from the red blood cells before storage. Spin down and send 1 mL of serum frozen in plastic vial. Frozen specimen preferred, but refrigerated specimen is acceptable if the assay is tested within 8 hours of collection.

Notes:

1. Patients with a history of insulin usage may have insulin antibodies which cause an inaccurate assay result.

2. If multiple specimens are drawn, send separate request form for each specimen.

3. Label specimens appropriately (corresponding draw times)