Complement Analysis - Serum and Plasma Collection, Handling and Shipping

Use the attached Requisition Form in PDF format to request samples. Make as many photocopies as you need.

All specimens sent to the laboratory should conform to all Federal and IATA shipping regulations.

Thank you for choosing Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories (ADx) at National Jewish Health.

Sample:
Serum for complement functional analysis:

1. Collect serum from whole blood drawn in a plain red-top Vacutainer tube and allowed to clot at 37°C for 20-60 minutes (room temperature is OK if 37°C is not available). Serum separators or tubes with "clot activators" should not be used.
2. The clotted blood should be centrifuged at 37°C or at room temperature, and the cell-free serum removed to a clean tube.
   NOTE: It may be necessary to centrifuge the serum a second time if cells are transferred with it the first time.
3. As soon as the cell-free serum is obtained place the tube into a container with dry ice until it is frozen solid.
4. Ship in same container tube was frozen in or transfer to an ultra-cold freezer for storage at -70°C until it can be shipped to the laboratory for analysis.

Plasma for complement split products or levels:

1. Collect plasma from whole blood drawn in a lavender-top (K3-EDTA) tube, mixed well and centrifuged at room temperature as soon as possible following collection.
2. Transfer the plasma, cell-free, to a clean tube and quickly freeze for transport to the lab.
3. If you expect more than one hour to pass between blood draw and separation place the tube into a container with wet ice and centrifuge in the cold.
   Note: As time passes between draw time and the time plasma is collected there is an increased likelihood of obtaining false positive results for split products from the sample.

If you have questions please call the Complement Laboratory at (303) 398-1541, or Client Services at 1-800-550-6227.
Note: Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories (ADx) does not provide shipping materials.