Three 4.5 mL light blue top tubes (sodium citrate). Collect by careful venipuncture to avoid tissue contamination or hemolysis. Do not use needles smaller than 23 gauge. Fill tubes to maximum draw (at least 90% full). Mix by gentle inversion.
Handling:
Due to short stability, specimens must either be sent STAT to arrive in testing department within 4 hours, or sent frozen. If STAT, refrigerate and keep capped in original tubes. Call for STAT pick-up. For standard delivery, centrifuge to produce platelet poor plasma and with a plastic pipette, transfer into a plastic vial. Label with patient name, I.D. number, test, and “citrated plasma.” Freeze immediately. Send to PeaceHealth Laboratories within 7 days. If multiple tests are ordered, submit a separate aliquot for this test.
Stability:
4 hours ambient or refrigerated, or 7 days frozen.
Standard Volume:
Three 4.5 mL tubes whole blood or 4 mL plasma.
Minimum Volume:
Two 2.7 mL tubes whole blood or 2 mL plasma.
Transport:
Original tubes refrigerated if sent STAT; plasma frozen on dry ice.