Specimen Requirements

Separated serum and plasma specimens may be stored for up to 3 days at 2 - 8°C or stored frozen for up to 3 months at -70°C.

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 hemolyzed or icteric specimen.
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 hemolyzed or icteric specimen.

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.