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 45 days of receipt of acute specimens.
- Allow serum separator tube (SST) contents to clot in an upright position for at least 30 minutes.
- Centrifuge within 2 hours of collection.
- 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 serum. Also, label the tube as ‘Acute’ or ‘Convalescent.’ - Transfer serum to the tube and freeze - send this aliquot separately when multiple tests are ordered.
Storage Requirements
Frozen.
Specimens are stable if refrigerated for 2 weeks or frozen for 45 days.
Causes for Rejections
Specimens stored at room temperature are not accepted.