One 7.5 mL serum separator tube (SST). Also acceptable: One 5 mL red top tube, 4 mL green top tube (heparin), or 4.5 mL light green plasma separator tube (PST).
Handling:
Centrifuge SST or PST within 2 hours of collection and transport in original tube. Centrifuge red top tube or heparin tube within 2 hours, separate plasma and pour into plastic vial. Refrigerate. Freeze if specimen cannot be assayed within 48 hours.
Standard Volume:
1 mL serum or plasma.
Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL serum or plasma.
Transport:
Refrigerated if received in laboratory within 48 hours of collection; if frozen, on dry ice.
Comments:
Social Security Number must be provided if historical graph is to be reported.
Rejection Criteria:
Refrigerated specimen received in laboratory more than 48 hours after collection.
MEDICARE MAY REQUIRE A SIGNED ADVANCE BENEFICIARY NOTICE (ABN) FOR THIS TEST