Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred:

Serum

Draw blood in a gold-top serum gel tube(s) in early a.m. (Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.) Spin down within 1 hour of draw and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated.

Note:

1. Iron concentrations are highest at 8 a.m. and lowest at 12 a.m. (midnight).

2. Iron supplements should be avoided for 24 hours prior to draw.

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

4. Indicate serum on request form.

5. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Alternate:

Draw blood in a mint green-top (heparin) gel tube(s) in early a.m. (Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.) Spin down within 1 hour of draw and send 1 mL of heparinized plasma refrigerated.

Note:  1. Iron concentrations are highest at 8 a.m. and lowest at 12 a.m. (midnight).

2. Iron supplements should be avoided for 24 hours prior to draw.

3. Indicate plasma on request form.

4. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Sample Stability Information:

Ferritin stable 48 hours at room temperature;  7 days refrigerated;  1 year frozen

Iron and IBC stable 7 days room temperature; 3 weeks refrigerated