Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Test is run on a Whole Blood sample, do not centrifuge and separate cells from plasma

Acceptable Specimens:

Arterial, capillary, or venous blood

Preferred:

Sodium Heparinized Syringe

Draw 2 mL of blood in a 3-mL heparinized syringe or a minimum of 0.5 mL of blood in a 1-mL heparinized syringe. Expel any air bubbles. Cap syringe and mix by rolling syringe between palms for 15 seconds.

Note:  1. Indicate arterial or venous blood on request form.

2. Label syringe with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of draw, and type of specimen (arterial or venous blood).

Alternate:

VACUTAINER®

Draw a full, dark green-top (sodium heparin) tube. Mix by gently inverting 8 times.

A mint green gel tube is not acceptable.

Note:  1. Indicate arterial or venous blood on request form.

2. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of draw, and type of specimen (arterial or venous blood).

Capillary Tube

Collect blood in a capillary tube. Tube must be full.  Mix by rolling capillary tube between palms for 15 seconds. .

Note:  1. Indicate capillary blood on request form.

2. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of draw, and type of specimen (capillary blood).