Specimen Requirements
Minimum of 2.0 mL serum
Supplies for Submission
SST/Gold Top (1)
Specimen Collection
- 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.
- 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.
Specimens are stable if stored at room temperature for 5 days, refrigerated for 7 days, or frozen for 1 month.
Causes for Rejections
Specimens with the following conditions are not accepted:
- gross hemolysis
- gross lipemia
- gross icterus