Specimen Requirements

 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.
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.
Note: 1. Indicate serum.

2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Serum or plasma should be separated from contact with cells within 2 hours  of collection. Separated serum or plasma should not remain at room temperature longer than 8 hours. If assays are not completed within 8 hours, serum or plasma should be stored at 2°C to 8°C or frozen at <-10°C. Refrigerated or frozen BHOB specimens are good for one week. Frozen samples should be thawed only once.