One 7.5 mL serum separator tube (SST) for each specimen. Also acceptable: One 5 mL red top tube. Fasting morning specimen is recommended. Capillary specimens should be obtained with Terumo T-MG Capiject tubes and separated immediately. Frozen specimen preferred, but refrigerated specimen is acceptable if testing can be assayed within 8 hours. If multiple tests are ordered, send a separate specimen for this test. Label each with date and time drawn.
Handling:
Allow to clot, centrifuge and separate serum from cells immediately. Freeze. Allow no more than one freeze/thaw cycle.
Stability:
8 hours refrigerated at 2-8° C or 2 months frozen at -20° C
Standard Volume:
0.5 mL serum for each specimen.
Minimum Volume:
100 µL serum for each specimen.
Transport:
Refrigerated if received in laboratory within 8 hours of collection, or frozen on dry ice.