One 2 mL serum separator pediatric tube. Also acceptable: One 4.5 plasma separator tube (PST). Protect specimen from light by wrapping in foil.
Handling:
Transport in original tube. If specimen cannot be analyzed within 2 hours, centrifuge, separate serum from cells and pour into a plastic tube. Wrap specimen in foil.
Stability:
8 hours ambient, 48 hours refrigerated.
Standard Volume:
1 mL serum or plasma.
Minimum Volume:
0.3 mL serum or plasma.
Transport:
Refrigerated.
Comments:
Neonatal bilirubin is used to measure the total bilirubin in neonates under 15 days of age.
Rejection Criteria:
Gross hemolysis; specimen excessively exposed to light.