Specimen Requirements

Plasma or serum and whole blood are required for this test.

Draw blood in a lavender-top (EDTA) tube(s) or a lavender-top (EDTA) MICROTAINER(S)®, and send 5 mL (minimum volume:  1 mL) of EDTA whole blood.

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. Avoid hemolysis and exposure of specimen to atmosphere.

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. Avoid hemolysis and exposure of specimen to atmosphere.

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

2. Indicate serum on request form.

3. Label specimen appropriately (serum).