Specimen Requirements

Serum

Container: SST tube or Red top tube

Specimen Collection: 1 mL (minimum 0.5 mL)

1. Allow specimen to clot completely if  a serum tube (SST) was used.
2. Separate serum (SST) or plasma (Lithium Heparin) from cells within 8 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. Red.