Consult the individual test specimen requirements to determine the correct additive/tube to use. The additive in each tube is specified on the label and tube stoppers are color coded according to the additive present. Evacuated tubes used to collect plasma specimens contain anticoagulant and, frequently, a preservative. Plasma contains fibrinogen and other clotting factors when separated from the red blood cells. To minimize the risk of hemolysis, do not place whole blood specimens in direct contact with cool packs. If you store cool packs in the freezer, be sure to allow enough time for them to warm to refrigerator temperature before placing whole blood specimens near them. Never freeze whole blood unless specifically instructed in the specimen requirements. Maintain the specimen at room temperature or on cool packs before submitting to our laboratory unless instructed otherwise by the specimen requirements. Thoroughly mix the blood with the additives by gently inverting the tube eight times (four times in the case of light blue-top (sodium citrate) tubes. WHOLE BLOODД¬ollect whole blood according to instructions provided for the individual test. Whenever specific issues of this nature are important, they will be listed as part of the specimen requirements or patient preparation for the individual tests in the General Test Listing section. The patientвЂ™s posture either sitting, standing or lying down, or the time of day relative to the patientвЂ™s sleep cycle can be important factors in some tests. The use of a tourniquet can cause stress and is not recommended in some cases. Most blood specimens can be obtained using routine phlebotomy techniques however, there are some exceptions. Color-coded pediatric Vacutainer tubes are provided to facilitate special handling. The color-coded Vacutainer tubes on the inside cover are recommended unless otherwise indicated in the alphabetical test listing. To prevent injury and exposure to potentially infectious material, do not ship frozen serum, plasma, or whole blood received in glass tubes or SST (glass or plastic). Transfer the serum, plasma or whole blood to a plastic transport tube (see Pediatric Specimen Tubes below). For plasma and whole blood, completely fill the Vacutainer whenever possible to eliminate dilution from the anticoagulant or preservative and immediately mix the blood by gently and thoroughly inverting the tube five to ten times. For serum, allow the blood to clot sixty minutes and separate by centrifugation. For serum or plasma, draw approximately 2 1/2 times the requested volume. Draw blood in the color-coded VacutainerВ® tube indicated in the alphabetical test listing.

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