Specimen Requirements

Blood and serum or plasma are required.

CBC

Specimen Type: Whole blood
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Collection Instructions: Label specimen as blood for CBC.

Blood for all other tests:

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred:

Specimen Type: Plasma

Container/Tube: Mint-green top (lithium heparin gel)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instruction: 

1. Eating affects results. Indicate patient’s fasting status.

2. Label specimen as plasma.

3. Avoid lipemia.

Acceptable:

Specimen Type: Serum

Container/Tube: Serum gel or red top

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instruction: 

1. Eating affects results. Indicate patient’s fasting status.

2. Label specimen as serum.

3. Avoid lipemia.

Specimen Rejection: Hemolyzed specimen