Collect
Plain Red Top or SST Tube.
Specimen Preparation
Allow sample to clot at room temperature for 20 to 60 minutes. Centrifuge ASAP to separate serum from cells and aliquot cell-free serum into a labeled polypropylene or similar plastic tube.
Preferred volume: 1 mL serum
Pediatric Collection
Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Unacceptable Conditions
Samples maintained at room temperature >24 hours, samples maintained refrigerated >7 days.
Storage Transport Temp
Offsite: Send serum Priority Overnight via FedEx and in a well-insulated container at ambient temperature, with an ice pack or frozen on dry ice.
Stability
2 days ambient (18-23C), 1 week refrigerated (2-8C), 1 year frozen (-20C). One freeze-thaw cycle will not negatively affect testing.