Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred:

Plasma

Container/Tube: Light green-top (lithium heparin gel) tube(s)

Specimen: 2 mL (minimum volume: 1 mL) of lithium heparin plasma
Collection Instructions: Spin down immediately and send entire tube to laboratory. If there is a delay in transport of >8 hours, send specimen refrigerated. Visible hemolysis will result in a falsely-elevated potassium value.
Note: 1. Indicate plasma on request form.
2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Alternate:

Serum
Container/Tube: Gold-top serum gel tube(s)  - Plain, red-top tube is also acceptable.

Specimen: 2 mL (minimum volume: 1 mL) of serum
Collection Instructions: Allow specimen to clot for approximately 10 minutes and spin down. If drawing gold-top serum gel tube, send entire tube to laboratory. If drawing plain, red-top tube, remove serum and place in separate plastic vial. If there is a delay in transport of >8 hours, send specimen refrigerated.

Note: 1. Indicate serum on request form.
2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).