Specimen Requirements

Plasma and serum are required for this test.

Plasma

Draw blood in 2  lavender-top (EDTA) tube(s). (Contaminated, hemolyzed, icteric specimen; or a plasma gel tube is not acceptable.) Mix by gently inverting 8 times. Tube(s) must remain at 37° C for 90 minutes. Centrifuge at 37° C or ambient temperature. (Do not use a refrigerated centrifuge.) Place 4 mL of EDTA plasma into a plastic vial, and send specimen refrigerated or ambient.

Note:  Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Serum

Draw blood in 2 plain, red-top tube(s). (Contaminated, hemolyzed, icteric specimen; or serum gel tube is not acceptable.) Tube(s) must remain at 37° C for 90 minutes. Centrifuge at 37° C or ambient temperature. (Do not use a refrigerated centrifuge.) Place 4 mL of serum into a plastic vial, and send specimen refrigerated or ambient.

Note:  Label specimen appropriately (serum).

NOTE:  For outpatients in Columbus, Ohio this test is only drawn at the Riverside Methodist Hospital draw site location at 3535 Olentangy River Road. (in the Women's Health Center-Yellow Area)   call 5-614-566-3016  Hours are 6:30 AM-6:30 PM  M-F and 7:00 AM -12 Noon on Sat/Sun