Collection Instructions

Submit the following specimens:

Specimen Collection:  Blood
Container/Tube: 5.0 mL Gold Top (Serum Separator-SST Gel)

Volume: 5.0 mL
Minimum volume: 2.0 mL

Neonate volume: 1.0 mL

Capillary collect ok? Yes

Microtainer acceptable? Yes (2 microtainers)

Collection Instructions:

• Gently invert the tube 8 - 10 times after collection.
• Specimen should be processed within 2 hours 

Processing Instructions:

• Processed Specimen: Serum
• Centrifuge/Spin: Yes
• Aliquot: Yes
• Allow blood to clot for 30 minutes in a vertical position and centrifuge within 2 hours.
• Transport Temperature: Refrigerated

Specimen Collection: Blood
Container/Tube: 6 mL Pink Top (EDTA) or 3 mL Lavender Top (EDTA)

Volume: 6.0 mL
Minimum volume: 2.0 mL

Neonate volume: 1.0 mL

Capillary collect ok? No

Microtainer acceptable? No 

Collection Instructions:

• Gently invert EDTA tube(s) 8 - 10 times after collection.
• Specimens for Blood Bank must have 2 signatures on the specimen written in ink that is resistant to smearing:
  • User ID's or initials of collectors/witnesses
    • Outpatient collection: The patient may serve as witness and initial the tube label.
    • Policytech reference #6476
• Specimen must be labeled in the presence of the patient with:
  • Patient's first and last name
  • Unique identification number (MRN)
  • Date of collection
• If there is any question as to the validity of the specimen identification or an inconsistency between current and previous results, a new specimen must be collected.

Processing Instructions:

• Processed Specimen: Whole Blood EDTA
• Centrifuge/Spin: No
• Aliquot: No
• Transport Temperature: Refrigerated or Ambient

Specimen Collection: Blood
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Volume: 3.0 mL
Minimum volume: 0.5 mL

Neonate volume: 0.5 mL

Capillary collect ok? Yes

Microtainer acceptable? Yes

Collection Instructions:

• Gently invert EDTA tube(s) 8 - 10 times after collection. 
• Specimen must be received within 6 hours of collection if ambient, 10 hours if refrigerated (see stability information below)

Processing Instructions:

• Processed Specimen: Whole Blood EDTA
• Centrifuge/Spin: No
• Aliquot: No
• Transport Temperature: Refrigerated (preferred) or Ambient