Specimen Requirements
Minimum of 2.0 mL serum; alternately 2.0 mL sodium fluoride plasma
Supplies for Submission
Red Top (1); alternately Gray Top (1)
Specimen Collection
- DO NOT use alcohol for sterilization during sample collection. When multiple tests are ordered, send this aliquot separately.
- Label a plastic transport tube with two identifiers. Acceptable identifiers include patient’s name, date of birth, social security number, requisition number, and medical record number.
- Allow Red Top contents to clot in an upright position for at least 60 minutes. Omit this step for Gray Top (sodium fluoride) tube.
- Red Top specimen - centrifuge within 2 hours of collection, transfer serum to a plastic transport tube, and cap tightly to minimize alcohol loss.
Label as Red Top serum and refrigerate. - Gray Top specimen - centrifuge within 30 minutes of collection, transfer plasma to a plastic transport tube, and cap tightly to minimize alcohol loss.
Label as sodium fluoride plasma and refrigerate.
Storage Requirements
Refrigerated.
After separation from cells, specimens are stable if stored at room temperature for 1 week, refrigerated for 2 weeks, or frozen for 1 month.