Specimen Requirements

 Plasma - Preferred Specimen
Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Spin down and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma.  If not tested with in 2 hrs, seperate plasma.  If not tested within 8 hrs, refrigerate sample.  If not tested with 48 hrs, freeze sample.
Note:  Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Acceptable but not Preferred Specimen

Plasma

Draw blood in a dark green-top (sodium heparin) tube. Spin down and send 2 mL of sodium heparin plasma. If not tested with in 2 hrs, seperate plasma.  If not tested within 8 hrs, refrigerate sample.  If not tested with 48 hrs, freeze sample.
Note:  Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Serum
Draw blood in a gold-top serum gel tube. Spin down and send 2 mL of serum. If not tested with in 2 hrs, seperate plasma.  If not tested within 8 hrs, refrigerate sample.  If not tested with 48 hrs, freeze sample.

Note:  Label specimen appropriately (serum).