Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

For Inpatients only

Syringe

Specimen must arrive within 15 minutes of draw.

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube: Dry, lithium heparinized syringe

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Expel air bubbles.

2. Remove needle from syringe and cap.

3. Immediately place on wet ice.

4. Label syringe with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, and date and actual time of draw.

For outpatients (stat) or inpatient venous draws

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube: Mint tube, unspun

Specimen Volume: Full tube

Collection Instructions:

1. Draw Mint tube, DO NOT CENTRIFUGE.

2. Keep specimen anaerobic (do not open or transfer).

3. Send specimen in original tube.

4. Label tube patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, and date and actual time of draw.

5. Place specimen on ice and deliver to Chemistry within 15 minutes.