Collect
Plasma from a lavender top (EDTA) tube is the only acceptable sample type. Mix sample thoroughly. Keep tubes cold on wet ice or with a cold pack after collection.
Specimen Preparation
Centrifuge at 4°C within one half hour of collection; preferably immediately after venipuncture. Transfer the cell-free plasma to a clean tube and immediately freeze on dry ice or at -70°C or below.
Preferred volume: 1 mL
Pediatric Collection
Minimum volume: 500 µL plasma, frozen.
Unacceptable Conditions
Thawed specimen or specimens stored at room temperature prior to shipment.
Storage Transport Temp
Send frozen plasma Priority Overnight via FedEx and in a well insulated container on dry ice.
Stability
Frozen at -70°C: 1 year