Physician Office 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:  0.5 mL) of lithium heparin plasma

Transport Temperature:  Ambient

Collection Instructions:  Plasma for a trough level is usually drawn 5 to 10 minutes before dose. Spin down immediately, remove plasma, and place in separate plastic vial. If there is a delay in transport of >8 hours, send specimen refrigerated in ≤7 days.

Note:  1. Indicate plasma on request form.

2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).