Specimen Requirements

Separated specimens may be stored for up to 5 days at 4°C.

• Bilirubin is extremely photosensitive. Care should be taken to protect sample from both daylight and fluorescent light to avoid degradation.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
 
PlasmaDraw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) plasma gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated. Avoid hemolysis, lipemia, direct sunlight, or prolonged exposure to fluorescent light.
Note:  1. Indicate plasma on request form.
2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).
 
Serum
Draw blood in a serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated. Avoid hemolysis, lipemia, direct sunlight, or prolonged exposure to fluorescent light.
Note:  1. Indicate serum on request form.
2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Unspun specimens must be transported at ambient temperature and arrive to the laboratory within one hour of draw.