Specimen Type/Requirements

Sioux Falls 

Gold top (Serum w/gel) tube - Serum (preferred)

Red top (Serum w/out gel) tube - Serum

Light Green top (Lithium Heparin w/gel) tube - Plasma

Either serum or heparinized plasma may be used for testing.  However when monitoring a patient, use the same sample type to ensure consistent results.  

Multiple freeze/thaw cycles should be avoided.

Test is affected by gross hemolysis and gross lipemia.

This test should not be performed as an add-on test across specimen types.

Bismarck

Light Green top (Lithium Heparin w/gel) tube - Plasma

Avoid more than one freeze/thaw cycle.

Test may be affected by gross hemolysis, gross icterus and gross lipemia.

Specimen should be centrifuged and separated within 2 hours of collection.