Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Plasma
Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL (pediatric:  0.2 mL) of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated. Avoid hemolysis and exposure of specimen to atmosphere. Protect specimen from light.

Note:  1. Fingerstick or heelstick specimen is not acceptable without doctor’s approval.

2. Indicate plasma on request form.
3. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Serum

Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) or a serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL (pediatric:  0.2 mL) of serum refrigerated. Avoid hemolysis and exposure of specimen to atmosphere. Protect specimen from light.

Note:  1. Fingerstick or heelstick specimen is not acceptable without doctor’s approval.

2. Indicate serum on request form.

3. Label specimen appropriately (serum).