Specimen Requirements

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. 

Note:

1. Cortisol levels are usually drawn in pairs to detect highest and lowest daily levels; usually morning (8 a.m.) and afternoon (4 p.m.) as indicated with separate test codes.
2. Indicate plasma on request form.
3. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Alternate:  Required for Siemens Users

Serum
Draw blood in a gold-top serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated. 

Note:

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

2. Cortisol levels are usually drawn in pairs to detect highest and lowest daily levels; usually morning (8 a.m.) and afternoon (4 p.m.) as indicated with separate test codes.

3. Indicate serum on request form.
4. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Specimen Stability Information