Specimen Requirements
Minimum of 2.0 mL plasma
Supplies for Submission
Light Blue Top (1)
Specimen Collection
- Centrifuge and separate plasma from cells immediately
- 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.
Label the tube as citrate plasma. - Transfer plasma to the tube, using a plastic transfer pipette.
- Freeze - send this aliquot separately when multiple tests are ordered.
Storage Requirements
Critical Frozen (CFZ).
Whole blood is stable if stored at room temperature for 24 hours; plasma is stable if frozen for 1 month.