Collection Instructions

Specimen Collection: Blood

Container(s): Gold Top (Serum Separator-SST Gel) or Red Top (Plain, No additive)

• Preferred Volume to Collect: 5.0 mL
• Minimum Volume to Collect: 2.0 mL
• Neonate Volume to Collect: 2.0 mL
• Capillary collect ok: Yes
• Microtainer acceptable: Yes

Collection Instructions:

• Fasting patient is preferred, but not required.
• After collection, gently invert tube 8-10 times.
• Specimen should be processed within 1 hour – See Processing Instructions.

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

Processed Specimen: Serum

Centrifuge/Spin: Yes

Aliquot: Yes

Processing Instructions:

• Allow blood to clot for 30 minutes in a vertical position and centrifuge promptly.
• Within 1 hour aliquot serum into a plastic transport tube and freeze immediately.

Transport Temperature: Frozen