Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube: Light-blue top (3.2% sodium citrate)

Specimen Volume: Full tube

Collection Instructions:

1. Invert several times to mix blood.

2. If there is a delay in transport of >24 hours from time of draw, process as follows:

A. Spin down for 10 minutes.

B. Aliquot off the platelet poor plasma.

C. Freeze immediately. 

D. Send sample frozen.

Additional Information:

1. If ordering more than 1 special coagulation test, please send 1 tube for each test.

2. If the patient is being treated with Coumadin, this should be noted as Coumadin will lower Protein S.