Specimen Requirements

Recommended specimen type: EDTA  plasma or lithium heparin. Serum is also acceptable.

To minimize synthesis of homocysteine in erythrocytes after drawing, prepare the patient samples as follows:

1. Store blood samples on ice immediately following venipuncture.

2. Do not store blood samples at room temperature prior to centrifugation.

3. Centrifuge within 1 hour to separate the plasma (or serum) from the blood cells. Refrigerated centrifugation is recommended.

4. Samples should be as fresh as possible (stored for no more than 48 hours at 2°-8° C) or stored frozen.

Unspun specimens must be transported on ice and arrive to the laboratory within one hour of draw.