Collection Instructions

Specimen Collection: Blood

Container(s): 3.0 mL Lavender top (EDTA)

Preferred Volume to Collect: 3.0 mL

Minimum Volume to Collect: 2.0 mL

Neonate Volume to Collect: 1.0 mL

Capillary collect ok: No

Microtainer acceptable: No

Collection Instructions:

• LOOK+LOOK
• AVOID:
  • Tourniquet (Do not use tourniquet)
  • Underfilled tubes (Tubes should be full)
  • Prolonged exposure to air
  • Smoking should be avoided prior to sampling
• After collection, gently invert tube 8-10 times
• Deliver on ice.
• Deliver to lab immediately. Tube must be processed (centrifuged/spun) within 15 minutes --  See processing instructions below

NOTE: Spectrum Health Continuing Care - Fuller and Kalamazoo: Please follow "Standard Work" instructions. Specimen must be spun, separated, frozen and transported on dry ice. Specimen must only be picked up by Spectrum Health Courier during scheduled pickups. This specimen cannot be picked up as a STAT, during afterhours or via 3rd party courier (i.e. Reliable Delivery).

Processing Instructions (Laboratory, Outpatient or Off-site collection)

• Processed Specimen: Plasma
• Centrifuge/Spin: Yes
• Aliquot: Yes
• Processing Instructions:
  • Tube must be centrifuged immediately (within 15 minutes).
  • Remove plasma and freeze in separate plastic vial.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to air.
  • Send specimen frozen, on ice.
• Transport Temperature: Frozen

LOOK+LOOK+ON ICE