Collection Instructions

Specimen Collection: Blood

Container(s):  Preferred: Mint Green Top (Lithium Heparin Gel) tube. Acceptable: Gray top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride), Red Top (no additive), or Gold Top (Serum Separator-SST Gel)

• Minimum Volume to Collect: 2.0 mL
• Neonate Volume to Collect: 1.0 mL
• Capillary collect ok? No
• Microtainer acceptable: No

Collection Instructions:

• Do not use alcohol or other volatile disinfectants at the site of venipuncture.
  • Aqueous Zephiran (benzalkonium chloride), aqueous Merthiolate (Thimerosal) or povidone-iodine may be used at the site of venipuncture.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to air.
• After collection, gently invert tube 8-10 times.
• Centrifuge within 2 hours.

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

• Processed Specimen: Preferred: Heparnized Plasma or Potassium Oxalate/Sodium Fluoride Plasma
• Minimum volume: 1.0 mL plasma
• Centrifuge/Spin: Yes
• Transport Temperature: Refrigerate (preferred) or Ambient (acceptable)

• Processed Specimen: Acceptable: Serum
• Minimum volume: 2 mL serum
• Centrifuge/Spin: Yes
• Allow specimen to clot for 30 minutes and centrifuge within 2 hours.