Specimen Requirements

Collection Instructions:

1. Serum and Plasma gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.

2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred:

Plasma

Draw blood in a mint green-top (heparin) gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of heparinized plasma refrigerated. Specimen is usually drawn 2 hours post infusion (intravenous piggyback [IVPB] conventional dosing).

Note:  1. Date and time of draw is required on request form and specimen for processing.

2. Indicate plasma and peak/post-dose on request form.
3. Label specimen appropriately (plasma and as peak/post-dose).

Also Acceptable:

Serum

Draw blood in a gold-top serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated. Specimen is usually drawn 2 hours post infusion (intravenous piggyback [IVPB] conventional dosing).

Note:

1. Date and time of draw is required on request form and specimen for processing.

2. A speckled-top serum gel tube (s) or a plain, red-top tube(s) is also acceptable.

3. Indicate serum and peak/post-dose on request form.
4. Label specimen appropriately (serum and as peak/post-dose).

VWH Lab: 

• Tubes of blood are to be kept closed at all times and in a vertical position. It is recommended that the serum or plasma be physically separated from contact with cells within two hours from the time of collection.
• Separated serum or plasma should not remain at room temperature longer than 8 hours. If assays are not completed within 8 hours, serum or plasma should be stored at +2°C to +8°C for up to 48 hrs. 

Roche Stability Information