Collection Instructions

Specimen Collection: Blood

Container(s): Gold Top (Serum Separator-SST Gel)

• Preferred Volume to Collect: 5.0 mL
• Minimum Volume to Collect: 2.0 mL
• Neonate Volume to Collect: 0.5 mL
• Capillary collect ok? Yes
• Microtainer acceptable: Yes

Collection Instructions:

• Fasting specimen highly recommended (see reference range)
• After collection, gently invert tube 8-10 times.
• 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
• Centrifuge/Spin: Yes
• Aliquot: Yes
• Processes Minimum Volume: 1.0 mL Serum
• Processing Instructions:
  • Allow blood to clot for 30 minutes in a vertical position and centrifuge within 2 hours.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to light (minimal UV light exposure)
• Transport Temperature: Refrigerated

Avoid prolonged exposure to light. Protect from light (minimal UV light exposure): Please routinely take general precautions to minimize the specimen’s exposure to light. These precautions should include:

1. After collection, placing specimens out of direct sunlight and overhead lighting.
2. Centrifuging and placing specimens, as appropriate, in the refrigerator as soon as possible.
3. Transporting the specimens in opaque containers (courier coolers).
4. Processing specimens in lab ASAP.
5. Storing completed specimens, as appropriate, in routinely non-lighted refrigerator.