Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: 4.5 mL Lithium Heparin (Mint Green top PST Gel) tube

Acceptable: 5.0 mL SST (Gold top) tube or 6.0 mL Serum (Red top) tube

Specimen: Full tube
Collection Instructions: Never use alcohol or other volatile disinfectants when collecting or storing blood specimens. Use aqueous zephiran (benzalkonium chloride), iodine, or other suitable aqueous disinfectants.  

For pediatrics, draw blood in two 0.5-mL green-top MICROTAINERS®.

Note: Label tubes with patient’s full name and 1 additional unique patient identifier such as date of birth, medical record number, emergency ID number, or financial number. Date and time of draw, collector’s initials, and type of specimen are also required.