Instructions for Collection and Transport

Blood collected in tubes with heparin anticoagulant are not accepted for this test.
 

Plasma: Collect blood in sterile tubes containing EDTA or ACD as anticoagulant or in Plasma Preparation Tubes (PPTs). Store collected whole blood at room temperature and separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer plasma to sterile, plastic, screw-capped tubes and store refrigerated or frozen. If blood is collected in a PPT tube, centrifuge within 2 hours of collection and store refrigerated or frozen. It is not necessary to transfer plasma from PPT tube to aliquot tubes. Blood collected in tubes containing ACD anticoagulant will yield results approximately 15% lower when compared to EDTA tubes due to a dilution effect.
 

Whole blood: Collect whole blood in sterile tubes containing EDTA or ACD as anticoagulant. Store refrigerated. Blood collected in tubes containing ACD anticoagulant will yield results approximately 15% lower when compared to EDTA tubes due to a dilution effect. Do not freeze whole blood.