Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation

1. Patient should be on a habitual diet.

2. Patient should be off medications. If clinically inappropriate to discontinue medications, forward a list of medications with specimen and results will be interpreted taking effect of medications in account.

3. Patient cannot have an intravenous line in place.
4. Patient must fast for 12 hours prior to test.

Specimen Collection

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Plasma
Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube from a fasting patient. Spin down and send 2 mL of lithium heparin plasma.
Note: 1. Indicate plasma.

2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Serum
Draw blood in a gold-top serum gel tube from a fasting patient. Spin down and send 2 mL of serum.
Note: 1. Indicate serum.

2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).