Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube: Green top(heparin).  If a mint green PST is used, it must NOT be centrifuged.  

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Gently invert 5 to 10 times to mix blood.

2. Do not centrifuge.  The test MUST be performed on whole blood.

NOTE: This test may also be done on the same specimen as an arterial, venous or capillary blood gas package.  If that is the case, please refer to the blood gas specimen handling requirements.