One 7.5 mL serum separator tube (SST). Also acceptable: One 4 mL green top tube (heparin) or one 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 green top tube within 2 hours, separate serum from cells and pour into a plastic vial. Refrigerate. Freeze if specimen cannot be assayed within 48 hours.
Standard Volume:
0.5 mL serum or plasma.
Minimum Volume:
150 uL serum or plasma.
Transport:
Refrigerated, or frozen on dry ice.
Rejection Criteria:
Gross hemolysis; refrigerated specimen received in laboratory more than 48 hours after collection.