Specimen Requirements

Separated specimens may be stored for up to 8 hours at room temperature or for up to 2 days at 2 - 8°C.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Plasma

Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) plasma gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated. Plasma for a trough level should be drawn 30 minutes before next dose.

Note:  1. Indicate date and time of last dose and plasma on request form.

2. Label specimen appropriately (date and time of last dose and plasma on request form).

Serum

Draw blood in a serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated. Serum for a trough level should be drawn 30 minutes before next dose.

Note:  1. Indicate date and time of last dose and serum on request form.

2. Label specimen appropriately (date and time of last dose and serum).

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