Whole blood in a 6 mL royal blue top tube (EDTA). Also acceptable: One 3 mL tan top tube (lead free); or one 4 mL lavender top tube (EDTA), however, lavender may require redraw if lead results are elevated.
Handling:
Submit whole blood; do not submit plasma. Wrap specimen in foil to protect from light. Refrigerate.
Stability:
7 days refrigerated and protected from light, or 24 hours ambient and not protected from light.