Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Plasma
Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube. (Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.) Spin down and send 2 mL of lithium heparin plasma.
Note: 1. Indicate plasma.

2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

3. It is not recommended to do iron testing on day of dialysis.

4. If a transfusion is planned, specimen for iron should be collected before transfusion, or several days afterwards.

Serum
Draw blood in a gold-top serum gel tube. (Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.) Spin down and send 2 mL of serum.
Note: 1. Indicate serum.

2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

3. It is not recommended to do iron testing on day of dialysis.

4. If a transfusion is planned, specimen for iron should be collected before transfusion, or several days afterwards.