Specimen Requirements
Minimum of 2.0 mL serum
Supplies for Submission
SST/Gold Top (1)
Specimen Collection
Parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days of receipt of acute specimens.
- Label serum separator tube (SST) with two identifiers. Acceptable identifiers include patient’s name, date of birth, social security number, requisition number, and medical record number.
Also, label the tube as ‘Acute’ or ‘Convalescent.’
- Allow SST contents to clot in an upright position for at least 30 minutes.
- Centrifuge within 2 hours of collection and refrigerate.
Storage Requirements
Refrigerated.
After separation from cells, specimens are stable if stored at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerated for 2 weeks, or frozen for 1 year.