Collection Instructions

Specimen Collection: Blood

Container(s): 5.0 mL Gold Top (Serum Separator-SST Gel) or: 6.0 mL Red Top (Plain) 

• Preferred Volume to Collect: 5.0 mL
• Minimum Volume to Collect: 1.0 mL
• Neonate Volume to Collect: 0.5 mL
• Capillary collect ok? Yes
• Microtainer acceptable: Yes

Collection Instructions:

• Inpatients: Please contact your local inpatient pharmacy for information regarding appropriate timing for blood drug level orders, if needed.
• Indicate date and time of last dose.
• Avoid gross hemolysis
• After collection, gently invert tube 8-10 times.
• Specimen should be processed within 2 hours – See Processing Instructions.

Processing Instructions (Laboratory, Outpatient or Off-site collection)

• Processed Specimen:  Serum
• Centrifuge/Spin: Yes
• Aliquot: Yes
•  Processing Instructions:
  • Serum: Allow blood to clot for 30 minutes in a vertical position and centrifuge within 2 hours.

Transport Temperature: Refrigerate