Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred:

Specimen Type: Plasma

Container/Tube: Light-green top (lithium heparin gel)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Grossly hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.

2. If plunger filters are used, immediate removal of plasma is indicated unless an air gap can be created between the device and specimen.

3. Separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of draw.

Additional Information:

1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

3. Regional sites send specimen refrigerated.

Alternate:

Specimen Type: Serum

Container/Tube: Serum gel

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Grossly hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.

2. If plunger filters are used, immediate removal of serum is indicated unless an air gap can be created between the device and specimen.

3. Separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of draw.

Additional Information:

1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

3. Regional sites send specimen refrigerated.