Instructions for Collection and Transport

Fill tube to stated capacity. Do not underfill or overfill past tube’s vacuum capacity. If the patient’s known hematocrit value is above 55%, an adjustment of the ratio of anticoagulant to blood is necessary. Call the laboratory for a special collection tube for that hematocrit value.

Centrifuge 15 minutes at minimum speed of 3,000 rpm’s or the required speed to acheive Platelet Poor Plasma. Aliquot plasma into plastic vial. Transport within 2 hours of collection on freeze packs. If transport to take place more than 2 hours post collecion, freeze plasma and transport on dry ice. Note: it is very important to have platelet poor plasma before freezing. The platelet count on the aliquoted plasma should be <10,000.

Home Health Agencies: Transport to lab within 30 minutes.