Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Serum or Plasma 
Container/Tube: SST or Lithium Heparin 

Acceptable: Red top 
Specimen Volume: 1 mL (minimum 0.5) 
Collection Instructions:  

1. Allow specimen to clot completely if a serum tube (SST) was used. 
2. Separate serum (SST) or plasma (Lithium Heparin) from cells within 24 hours and transport refrigerated. If red top tube is collected, separate serum from cells within 2 hours and place in separate plastic tube. 
3. Properly label tube with patient's name, DOB, requisition number and type of tube, i.e. LiHep or NaHep etc.