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.

1. Indicate plasma on request form.

2. Patient must be on a stable diet for 2 weeks and not consume any alcohol for 5 days before specimen is drawn.

3. 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 following an overnight (12-14 hour) fast. Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated.

1. Indicate serum on request form.

2. Patient must be on a stable diet for 2 weeks and not consume any alcohol for 5 days before specimen is drawn.

3. 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:

8 hours at room temperature

7 days refrigerated at 2-8°C

3 months frozen at ≤ -20°C

Minimum volume:

1 mL