Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
 
Plasma
Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s) from a fasting patient. (Non-fasting specimens are accepted for special studies.) Spin down and send 1 mL (pediatric:  0.2 mL) of lithium heparin plasma frozen in plastic vial.

Note:  1. Patients with a history of insulin usage may have insulin antibodies which cause an inaccurate assay result.
2. If multiple specimens are drawn, send separate request form for each specimen.
3. Indicate plasma on request form.

4. Label specimens appropriately (corresponding draw time and as plasma).

Serum
Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) or a serum gel tube(s) from a fasting patient. (Non-fasting specimens are accepted for special studies.) Spin down and send 1 mL (pediatric:  0.2 mL) of serum frozen in plastic vial.
Note:  1. Patients with a history of insulin usage may have insulin antibodies which cause an inaccurate assay result.
2. If multiple specimens are drawn, send separate request form for each specimen.
3. Indicate serum on request form

4. Label specimens appropriately (corresponding draw time and as serum).