Parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30
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.