Specimen Requirements

Preferred Collection Container: 

Light Green (Lithium Heparin Plasma Separator Tube)
SST (Serum Separator)

Also Acceptable Collection Container: 

Green No Gel (Lithium Heparin)
Red (No Additive)

Collection Information: 

Collect blood in a Light Green (Lithium Heparin Plasma Separator Tube) or SST (Serum Separator) tube. Protect sample from light.

Transport Information: 

Centrifuge and aliquot 1.0 mL of serum/plasma into an amber plastic transport vial. Protect from light. Send refrigerated.

Minimum Sample Volume: 

0.5 mL of serum/plasma (approximately 1.0 mL of whole blood based upon a normal patient hematocrit)

Remarks: 

Protect the samples from excessive exposure to direct sunlight

Stability Comments: 

Stability limits apply as long as specimen is protected from light.