Specimen Requirements

Note: Cleanse venipuncture site with Betadine or some other non-alcohol containing scrub. Do not use ethyl alcohol. Cleaning site with an isopropyl alcohol pad is acceptable, however venipuncture site should be allowed to air dry.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Plasma
Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Spin down and send 2 mL of lithium heparin plasma. After separation from cells, specimen is stable for 2 hours at room temperature or 2-8° C.

Note: 1. Indicate plasma.

2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Serum
Draw blood in a gold-top serum gel tube. Spin down and send 2 mL of serum. After separation from cells, specimen is stable for 2 hours at room temperature or 2-8° C.

Note: 1. Indicate serum.

2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).