Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Plasma

Container/Tube: Mint-green top (lithium heparin)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.25 mL

Collection Instructions: Specimen must be received in the laboratory within 2 hours if sent at room temperature. If delayed longer than 2 hours must send refrigerated. 

Alternate (Non-Hospital Patient):

Specimen Type: Serum

Container/Tube: Gold top, serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.25 mL

Collection Instructions: Serum should be physically separated from contact with cells within 2 hours from the time of collection.

Reject Due To:

Hemolysis: Mild OK; Gross reject

Lipemia: NA

Icterus: NA

Other:

1. Anti-coagulants other than lithium heparin.

2. Specimens more than 2 hours old which have not been refrigerated.