Specimen Requirements

Plasma

• Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s).
• Spin down, separate plasma from cells within 30 minutes of draw
• Send 1 mL of heparinized plasma refrigerated in plastic vial.
• Avoid exposure of specimen to atmosphere.
• Patient’s age and sex are required on request form for processing.

Serum

• Draw blood in a a plain, red-top tube(s) or a serum gel tube(s).
• Spin down, separate serum from cells within 30 minutes of draw
• Send 1 mL of serum refrigerated in plastic vial.
• Avoid exposure of specimen to atmosphere.
• Patient’s age and sex are required on request form for processing.