Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Light green (lithium heparin)

Acceptable: Red SST, lavender (EDTA)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Immediately place specimen on wet ice.

2. Centrifuge and separate plasma from cells within 4 hours of collection using gel barrier tube or aliquoting into plastic vial).

3. If blood cannot be placed on wet ice immediately, centrifuge and separate plasma from cells within 1 hour of collection (using gel barrier tube or aliquoting into plastic vial).

4. A refrigerated centrifuge is not required if the above time restrictions are met.

5. If the specimen is being sent to another facility for testing, store and send the appropriate sample refrigerated.