Specimen Requirements

Preferred:

Serum

Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) or a serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated. Avoid hemolysis.
Note:  1. Iron supplements should be avoided for 24 hours prior to draw.

2. Indicate serum on request form.
3. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Alternate:

Plasma
Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s) or a plasma gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated. Avoid hemolysis.
Note:  1. Iron supplements should be avoided for 24 hours prior to draw.

2. Indicate plasma on request form.
3. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).