Specimen Requirements

Preferred: Plasma (heparinized)

Container/tube: LT Green/mint top (lithium heparin) tube; Centrifuge within 30 minutes of collection.

Acceptable: Serum

Container/tube: Plain red or gold gel tube; Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Centrifuge within 30 minutes of collection.

Specimen Volume: 1 mL (minimum 0.1 mL)

Collection Instructions: Patient should be fasting for 12 hours before collection. Forward promptly.

BFC13A ONLY: Whole Blood ONLY

• Lithium Heparin whole blood (Light green top)
  • If the sample cannot be run within 60 minutes, centrifuge the sample, separate and aliquot the plasma and send refrigerated, 2-8°C (36-46°F) to a moderately complex laboratory to be tested and resulted.
  • Whole blood must be analyzed within 60 Minutes of collection
  • DO NOT REFRIGERATE
  • Mix tube thoroughly but do not shake as this could cause hemolysis.
  • Tubes must be at least half way full so that the anti-coagulant does not become concentrated.