Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube:  Serum collected on red and gold top tube

Minimum Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL  serum

Optimum Specimen Volume: 1 mL serum

Collection Instruction: Blood samples should be obtained by venipuncture.  Blood should be allowed to clot and the serum separated as soon as possible to prevent hemolysis.

Specimen Stability: Samples may be stored at 2-8°C for up to 7 days, prolonged storage should be kept frozen at (≤-70°C).

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.