Specimen Requirements

Plasma and urine are required.

Plasma specimen should preferably be obtained at mid-point of the 24-hour period of urine collection.

Specimen Type: Urine, 24 hour

Container/Tube: Plastic urine container

Specimen Volume: 10 mL

Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. No preservative.

2. Label specimen appropriately (urine).

Acceptable Preservatives:  Boric acid, 6N HCl, 50% Acetic acid

Additionally, submit only 1 of the following plasma or serum specimens:

Specimen Type: Plasma

Container/Tube: Green top (Lithium heparin & PST)

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.25 mL

Collection Instructions: Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Specimen Type: Serum

Container/Tube: Gold top (SST) & Red top (Serum & No Additive)

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.25 mL

Collection Instructions: Label specimen appropriately (serum).

If collecting using a red top with no gel separator, the serum must be removed within 1 hour of collection.

Additional Information Required:

1. Patient’s height and weight, 24-hour volume, and specimen type are required.

2. Follow instructions in Urine Collection in Special Instructions for timed specimens.