Collection Instructions

Specimen Collection: Blood

Container(s): 5.0 mL Gold Top (Serum Separator-SST Gel) or 4.5 mL Mint Green Top (Lithium Heparin Gel)

• Preferred Volume to Collect: 5.0 mL
• Minimum Volume to Collect: 2.0 mL
• Neonate (NICU) Volume to Collect: at least 1 full microtainer
• Capillary collect ok? Yes
• Microtainer acceptable: Yes

Collection Instructions:

• Fasting specimen preferred, but not required
• Gently invert 8 - 10 times to mix clot activator with blood.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to light (minimal UV light exposure)
• Specimen should be processed within 2 hours – See Processing Instructions.

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

• Processed Specimen: Serum or Plasma
• Centrifuge/Spin: Yes
• Aliquot: Not required. Aliquot serum for frozen storage.
• Processing Instructions:
  • Gold top serum is preferred specimen type
  • Gold/Serum: Allow blood to clot for 30 minutes in a vertical position and centrifuge within 2 hours.
  • Green/Plasma: Centrifuge after collection
  • Minimum volume: 1.0 mL serum or plasma
• Transport Temperature: Refrigerated