Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following 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 Notes: 

1. Avoid hemolysis. If present, specimen will be rejected.

2. Separate plasma/serum from cells within 1 hour of collection.

            a. Plasma/serum gel tubes should be spun within 1 hour of collection

            b. Non-gel tubes should be spun and aliquoted within 1 hour of collection.