Specimen Requirements

Pericardial, peritoneal, pleural, or synovial fluid in a plain red top, gray top (potassium oxalate / sodium fluoride) tube, sodium heparin (dark green top), or plain container are acceptable specimens for fluids.

Invert several times to mix with anticoagulant if applicable.  

Samples are stable for 8 hours at room temperature, 48 hours at 2-8° C, and indefinitely when frozen at ≤ -20° C.

Note: Indicate specimen source.