St. Luke's Health System
Quick Guide Stability Chart
CHEMISTRY/IA/URINALYSIS
NOTES:
• R.T. sensitive INDICATES THAT THE SPECIMEN IS STABLE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE FOR A TOTAL OF 8 HOURS OR LESS
These specimens need to be processed and put into 2-8° C as soon as possible and transported in 2-8°C
•
•
•
•
•
All tubes should be spun and serum/plasma separated from cellular material within 4 hours after collection unless otherwise indicated.
Clotting of Serum Specimens: Let the clot tube sit vertically at R.T. between 30-60 minutes, then spin using the designated centrifuge and time.
Plasma specimens can be spun immediately upon receipt into the laboratory. Ideally specimens need to be stored and transported vertically.
The minimum and required volumes are based as if the tests are ordered individually and they are the bare bones amount.
Total stability is equal to R.T. time plus the frozen allowance time.
7/16/2013 D. McMahon; revised 6/12/2014 DMC
Plasma or Serum Volume
Chemistry Test &
(order code(s))
Specimen Type
Preferred
ABG
Acceptable
Plastic ABG
syringeHeparin
NOTE: For the minimum volume of
blood that needs to be collected draw
double the minimum volume for
plasma/serum listed below
Minimum
Requested
0.3 mL
1 mL
Stability
Heparin
Serum
0.5 mL
1 mL
Special Transport
Conditions or other
Information
Sample Preparation
and/or Centrifugation/
Instrument
18-28°C = R.T.
2-8 °C = Refrigerated
30 minutes @ R.T
(ABG)
Acetaminophen
Physical
Characteristics
that
Compromise
Results
Do not expose to air,
tube cannot be
uncapped.
Do not use the pneumatic
tube system.
Whole blood
Tube needs to be
filled to capacity.
Do not remove cap or
exposed to air (ANO2)
Cannot be delivered on Ice.
Blood Gas Instruments/ iStat, ABL90
14 days @ R.T.
Vitros
(gel is
acceptable
(ACETA)
14 days @ 2-8 °C
45 days if kept colder
than -18°C
EDTA plasma
Vitros
Acetone
(See Betahydroxybutyrate)
Order Beta-hydroxybutyrate
for serum ketones
(BHB)
Albumin
(ALB)
Alcohol
Serum
Heparin
plasma
Heparin
plasma
Serum
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
7 days @ R.T
Hemolysis
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Indefinite if kept colder
than - 18°C
2 days @ R.T.
Need to keep tube
capped
14days @ 2-8 °C
(ALC)
Serum
Alkaline Phosphatase
Heparin
plasma
Vitros
30 days 2-8°C
0.2 mL
0.4 mL
18°C one month
4 days @ R.T.
Vitros
Do not draw from a site that
has been cleansed with
Alcohol or other volatile
disinfectants.
Hemolysis
Separate serum from cells
within 4 hours
4 days @ 2-8°C
Vitros
(ALP)
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin
Serum
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
4 days @ - 18°C
24 hours @ R.T.
Cannot test on
sample that has been
frozen
Vitros - Ref Lab only
7 days @ 2-8 °C
Vitros
(AAT)
ALT (SGPT)
Heparin
0.2 mL
0.4 mL
3 days @ R.T.
Hemolysis,
0.5 mL
1 mL
7 days @ 2-8°C
3 hours @ 2-8 °C
Frozen sample
If left @ R.T., the
sample needs to be
rejected and
recollected.
plasma
(ALT)
Ammonia
Serum
Heparinized
Plasma only
Whole blood
Whole blood
R.T. unacceptable
24 hours if kept colder
than - 18°C
Place tube on ice
immediately after drawing
Centrifuge immediately and
remove from cellular material
within 15 minutes of collection.
R.T. unacceptable
Vitros
(AMMON)
Serum
Heparin
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
7 days @ R.T.
Centrifuge specimens and
remove the serum or plasma
from cellular material within 4
hours of collection.
Amylase
30 days @ 2-8 °C
(AMY)
Anti thyroglobulin AB
(ATG)
R.T. Sensitive
Serum
Plasma
Heparin
plasma
Frozen sample
unacceptable
0.2 mL
0.5 mL
8 hours @ R.T.
7 days @ 2-8°C
put back into refrigerator
ASAP
Immulite - Ref Lab only
6 months @ - 20°C
(ATG)
APT Test
See Fetal Hemoglobin
1
St. Luke's Health System
Quick Guide Stability Chart
Plasma or Serum Volume
Chemistry Test &
(order code(s))
Specimen Type
Preferred
AST(SGOT)
Serum
Acceptable
Heparin
plasma
NOTE: For the minimum volume of
blood that needs to be collected draw
double the minimum volume for
plasma/serum listed below
Minimum
Requested
0.2 mL
0.4 mL
(AST)
Stability
3 days @ R.T.
Serum
Heparin
Plasma
0.3 mL
Heparin
Plasma
0.15 mL
Serum
0.2 mL ( plasma or
serum)
0.4 whole blood on
Neonates with high
hemacrit
1 mL
Serum
(Go live Aug. 14, 2013)
(BHB)
Neonatal Bilirubin (BuBc) Heparin
plasma
R.T. & Light Sensitive
0.50 mL
Heparin
plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
6 months if kept colder
than - 18°C
4 hours @ R.T.
R.T. & Light Sensitive
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(BILT, BILD)
BNP
R. T. Sensitive
0.2 mL
1 mL
6 months if kept colder
than - 18°C
4 hours @ R.T.
Heparin or
EDTA plasma
0.4 mL
1 mL
3 days @ R.T
Heparin or
EDTA plasma
0.2 mL
Heparin
Plasma
0.2 mL
Whole Blood
EDTA
(BNP)
NT-pro BNP
Serum
(PBNP)
BUN
Serum
(Urea Nitrogen)
0.4 mL
Serum
0.4 mL
(C3)
C4, Complement
Serum
Heparin or
EDTA plasma
0.2 mL
0.4 mL
Serum
R.T. Sensitive
Heparin or
EDTA Plasma
0.3 mL
0.5 mL
Serum
R.T. Sensitive
(CA153)
CA 19-9
R.T. Sensitive
(LCA199)
Serum
Immulite - Ref Lab only
Vitros
Heparin or
EDTA Plasma
Heparin or
EDTA Plasma
Protect from light
0.3 mL
0.5 mL
Vitros
Tube has to be at
least ½ full or
recollection will be
required.
Turbidity or hemolysis
i-Stat
3 days @ 2-8°C
Separate serum from cells
with 2 hours
1 years @ -20°
Vitros - Ref Lab only
24 hours @ R.T.
Separate serum from cells
with 4 hours
6 months @ Colder than
-18°C
1 day @ R.T.
Can Not use EDTA
plasma (C4 can)
3 days @ 2-8 °C
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 20°C
1 day @ R.T.
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 20°C
8 hours @ R.T.
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 20°C
8 hours @ R.T.
0.5 mL
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 20°C
8 hours @ R.T.
7 days @ 2-8 °C
Fasting specimen is preferred Vitros - Ref Lab only
but not essential
Fasting specimen is preferred Vitros - Ref Lab only
but not essential
Turbidity
Avoid Evaporation
Vitros - Ref Lab only
Return to 2-8°C ASAP
Turbidity
7 days @ 2-8 °C
0.3 mL
Vitros
If exposed to
Keep protected from light
laboratory light
greater than 2 hours,
results may be
decreased.
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(CA125)
CA 15-3
Exposure to light will
cause decrease
3 days @ 2-8 °C
(C4)
CA 125
Lipemia
5 days @ 2-8°C
(BUN)
C3, Complement
put back into refrigerator
ASAP
7 days @ 2-8°C
0.3 mL (plasma or 4 hours @ R.T.
serum)
0.7 whole blood on 7 days @ 2-8°C
Neonates with high
hemacrit
(BILN)
Total &/or Direct Bilirubin Serum
7 days @ 2-8°C
8 hours @ R.T.
Re-suspension of platelets
can cause false elevation of
AST results.
Vitros
Needs to be
centrifuged properly
14 days @ colder than 18°C
8 hrs @ R.T.
(B2M)
Sample Preparation
and/or Centrifugation/
Instrument
Avoid agitation or mixing of
plasma samples after
centrifugation.
↑ hemolysis
1 week @ 2-8°C (serum Interference by
only)
platelets
R.T. Sensitive
Beta hydroxybutyrate
Special Transport
Conditions or other
Information
18-28°C = R.T.
2-8 °C = Refrigerated
3 months if kept colder
than - 18°C
Beta-2-Microglobulin
Physical
Characteristics
that
Compromise
Results
Avoid Evaporation
Vitros - Ref Lab only
Return to 2-8 °C ASAP
Turbidity
Avoid evaporation
Vitros - Ref Lab only
Return to 2-8°C ASAP
4 weeks if colder than 20°C
2
St. Luke's Health System
Quick Guide Stability Chart
Plasma or Serum Volume
Chemistry Test &
(order code(s))
Specimen Type
Preferred
Calcium
Serum
R.T. Sensitive
Acceptable
heparinized
plasma
NOTE: For the minimum volume of
blood that needs to be collected draw
double the minimum volume for
plasma/serum listed below
Minimum
Requested
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Serum
Heparinized
(Tegretol)
Gel tube not
acceptable
Plasma
0.3. mL
0.5 mL
(LTEG)
Carbon Monoxide (CO,
Carboxyhemoglobin)
(CO)
Whole blood EDTA or
Heparin
0.2 mL
0.5 mL
CEA
Serum
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Serum
R.T. Sensitive
4 hour @ R.T.
Heparin
plasma
0.3 mL
0.6 mL
(CHOL)
Serum
Heparin
plasma
0.2 mL
0.4 mL
(CK)
Serum
R.T. Sensitive
Heparin or
EDTA Plasma
0.2 mL
0.4 mL
Blood Gas instruments with cooximetry (ABL90'S)
8 hours@ R.T.
Avoid evaporation
4 weeks if kept colder
than -20°C.
7 days @ 2-8°C
Return to 2-8°C ASAP
3 hours @ R.T.
3 weeks if kept colder
than - 18°C
4 hours @ R.T.
Cord Blood
Heparin
Serum
Heparin or
EDTA Plasma
(Arterial or Venous)
1 month if kept colder
than - 18°C
3 hours @ R.T.
0.5 mL in a 3 mL
syringe or 0.15 mL
in a 1 mL syringe
0.65 mL
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 20°C
60 minutes @ R.T.
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
48 hours @ R.T.
Vitros- Ref Lab only
extremely As soon as possible store in
icteric samples
2-8°C
decrease cholesterol
result
Vitros
Hemolysis raises CK As soon as possible store in
results.
2-8°C
CK results are
decreased with icteric
samples.
Separate serum from cells
within 2 hours after collection.
Turbidity
Separate serum from cells
within 2 hours after collection.
5 days @ 2-8°C
(CKMB)
Cord Blood Gases
Vitros
Vitros
≤6 months if kept colder
than -18°C
4 weeks @ R.T.
5 days@ 2-8°C
R.T. Sensitive
CK MB
As soon as possible store in
2-8°C
1 year if kept colder than
- 18°C
≤5 days @ R.T.
Gel Tubes are not
acceptable
≤5 days @ 2-8 °C
3 days @ 2-8°C
CK (Creatine Kinase)
Sample Preparation
and/or Centrifugation/
Instrument
4 weeks @ 2-8 °C
Heparin
Plasma
(CEA)
Cholesterol
Special Transport
Conditions or other
Information
18-28°C = R.T.
2-8 °C = Refrigerated
22 days @ 2-8°C
(CA)
Carbamazepine
Stability
Physical
Characteristics
that
Compromise
Results
As soon as possible store in
2-8°C
Vitros
Vitros
Ice and pneumatic
tube system
Blood Gas Instruments
Hemolysis or Turbidity Avoid evaporation
Vitros
R.T. Sensitive
(CABG or CVBG)
Cortisol
5 days @ 2-8 °C
(ICORTA or ICORTP)
Creatinine
Serum
Heparin or
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
EDTA plasma
(CREA)
Creatinine Clearance
Serum with
Heparin
24 hour urine plasma
(LCRP)
Heparin or
EDTA
plasma
Separate serum from cells
within 4 hours after collection
Indefinite if kept colder
than -18°C
0.1 mL serum and 0.3 mL serum and 2 Serum: see above
0.5 mL urine
mL urine
Urine: 3 days @ R.T.
The urine must be a 24 hour
specimen and the serum must
be drawn within 5 days of the
urine collection.
5 days @ 2-8°C.
(CRCL)
Serum
Return to 2-8°C as soon as
possible
30 days @ 2-8 °C
and 24 hour
urine
C-Reactive Protein
(CRP)
R.T. Sensitive
4 weeks if kept colder
than – 20 °C
5 days @ R.T.
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Indefinite if kept colder
than - 18°C
4 hours @ R.T.
As soon as possible store in
2-8°C
Separate serum from cells
within 4 hours after collection
3 days @ 2-8 °C
6 months if kept colder
than - 18°C
3
St. Luke's Health System
Quick Guide Stability Chart
Plasma or Serum Volume
Chemistry Test &
(order code(s))
Specimen Type
Preferred
Cryoglobulins
Acceptable
Serum
NOTE: For the minimum volume of
blood that needs to be collected draw
double the minimum volume for
plasma/serum listed below
Minimum
Requested
2.5 mL Serum
10 mL
Gel is not
acceptable
Whole blood
(CRYO)
CSF Glucose
(Cerebrospinal Fluid)
R.T. Sensitive
CSF
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Stability
Physical
Characteristics
that
Compromise
Results
Special Transport
Conditions or other
Information
Sample Preparation
and/or Centrifugation/
Instrument
18-28°C = R.T.
2-8 °C = Refrigerated
Has to be kept @ 37°C
for 1 hour until clotting is
complete, separated
from cells and kept at
room temperature until
tested.
Patient needs to be fasting. Manual testing
Tube needs to be put into
37°C for 1 hour until clotting
is complete. Separate serum
and hold at room
Ref Lab only
temperature until tested.
7 days @ 2-8 °C
Store at 2-8 °C as soon as
possible
Run Stat
Vitros
Run Stat
Vitros
Trough specimen preferred
Vitros - Ref Lab only
1 hour @ R.T.
(CSFGLU)
CSF Protein
CSF
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
4 hours @ R.T.
(Cerebrospinal Fluid)
3 days @ 2-8°C
R.T. Sensitive
(CSFPRO)
Cyclosporine A
R.T. Sensitive
EDTA whole
blood
0.5 mL
2 mL
Serum only
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
(LCSA)
Digoxin
R.T. Sensitive
R.T. Sensitive
Gel is
acceptable
Serum
Heparin
Plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Gel tube not
acceptable
Serum
8 hours @ R.T.
Vitros
7 days @ 2-8 °C
4 months if kept colder
than -20°C
8 hours @ R.T.
Serum tubes with Gel has
shown decreased results
Separate from cells within 4
hours after collection
7 days @ 2-8°C
(LDIL)
Electrolyte profile
6months @ colder than
– 18 °C
8 hr@ R.T.
7 days @ 2-8°C
(LDIG)
Dilantin (Phenytoin)
Turbidity and
hemolyzed and
xanthochromic
samples falsely
elevate results
Heparinized
plasma
0.4 mL
12 weeks @ colder than 18°C
24 hours @ R.T.
3 Hemolysis and
TCO2 (ECO2) has to be
prolonged contact
days @ 2-8 °C
kept in a tightly capped
with
cells
increases
K.
tube until testing
Individual test
stability:
NA: 4 days @ R.T.
7 days @ 2-8°C
1 mL
(NA, K, CL, TCO2, AGAP)
Vitros
Separate from cells within 2
hours after collection
Individual Test Handling:
ECO2 and Cl: Separate from
cells within 4 hours.
ECO2 is R.T. Sensitive
K: Separate from cells within 2
hours after collection.
NA: Separate from cells within
2 days.
K: 6 weeks @ R.T. or
@ 2-8 °C
CL: 7 days @ R.T.
4 weeks @ 2-8 °C
Vitros
ECO2: 24 hours@R.T.
(LYTE)
3 days @ 2-8 °C
(tightly capped)
Estradiol
Serum
Heparin or
0.2 mL
0.5 mL
8 hours @ R.T.
EDTA plasma
R.T. Sensitive
Hemolysis
Avoid evaporation
Lipemia
Store in 2-8°C as soon as
possible
Turbidity
Avoid Evaporation
2 days @ 2-8 °C
(ESTRA)
Ferritin
Serum
R.T. Sensitive
(FERR)
Fetal Hemoglobin
APT Test
(FETHGB)
Folate
Heparin
plasma will
show a
negative 15%
bias
compared to
serum and
should not be
used
0.2 mL
0.3 ml
4 weeks if kept colder
than – 20 °C
8 hours @ R.T.
Vitros - Ref Lab only
Vitros - Ref Lab only
Store @ 2-8 °C as soon as
possible
5 days @ 2-8 °C
4 weeks if kept colder
than -20°C
( cannot freeze Plasma )
Feces or
Gastric
Contents
0.5 mL
2 mL
Serum
0.3 mL
0.6 mL
Ran STAT
Brown samples
cannot be tested
Specimen must be red in
color
Boise Lab only
≤24 hrs @ R.T.
Turbidity
Avoid Evaporation
Vitros
≤ 7 days @ 2-8 °C
Heparin not accepted Samples need to be
due to frequent
completely separated from
inability to get results cellular material
using plasma
samples.
≤4 weeks if kept colder
than – 20 °C
Store @ 2-8°C as soon as
possible
4
St. Luke's Health System
Quick Guide Stability Chart
Plasma or Serum Volume
Folate
Chemistry Test &
(order code(s))
Specimen Type
Preferred
Free PSA
(PSA, Free)
R.T. Sensitive
Acceptable
Serum ONLY
0.3 mL
mL of
NOTE:
For the minimum0.6
volume
blood that needs to be collected draw
double the minimum volume for
plasma/serum listed below
Minimum
0.2 mL
Requested
0.3 mL
Stability
Special Transport
Conditions or other
Information
Sample
Vitros
Preparation
and/or Centrifugation/
Instrument
18-28°C = R.T.
2-8 °C = Refrigerated
8 hrs @ R.T.
24hrs @ 2-8 °C
(PSAF nonorderable
result code)
(PSAFT, IPSAR
orderable codes)
Physical
Characteristics
that
Compromise
Results
longer @ colder than –
18 °C
CANNOT ORDER
JUST A FREE PSA.
Must be ordered as
the Free and Total
battery(PSAFT) or as
a Reflex to
free(IPSAR).
All samples are stable for 72
hours regardless of the
presence or absense of ambient
light.
Separate from cells within 4 If reflex test (IPSAR) is
hours after collection prior to ordered PSAF will be added if
freezing serum.
IPSA is within the range of
4.00-9.99.
Immulite - Ref Lab only
Serum
Free T4
Serum ONLY
0.1 mL
0.3mL
(T4, FREE)
Serum
Heparin or
EDTA
Plasma
0.2 mL
0.5 mL
Serum
Heparin
Plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Gel tube
acceptable
Serum
(Gamma Glutamyl
Transferase)
(GGT)
(GLU, GLU1HR,
GLU2HR, GTT tests)
HCG Quant, Serum
(Serum HCG,Quant)
R. T. Sensitive
Heparin
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
or EDTA
plasma
Serum
Serum
8 hrs @ R.T.
Turbidity
Avoid Evaporation
4 weeks if colder than 20°C
2 days @ R.T.
Remove serum/plasma from
cells within 1 hour of collection
Vitros
14 days if kept colder
than -20 °C
7 days @ R.T.
Remove from cellular material
within 4 hours of collection
7 days @ 2-8 °C
Heparin,
EDTA, or
Sodium
fluoride
plasma
0.1 mL
Heparin,
EDTA Plasma
0.3 mL
0.3 mL
2 months if kept colder
than - 18°C
1 day @ R.T.
Vitros
lipemia ↑
avoid prolonged contact of
serum with red cells
Vitros
Turbidity
Avoid evaporation
Separate serum from cellular
material within 4 hours from
collection. Vitros
7 days @ 2-8 °C
I year if kept colder than 18°
0.6 mL
8 hours @ R.T.
5 days @ 2-8 °C
see qualitative HCG
under "serology testing"
4 weeks if kept colder
than -20°C
Vitros - Ref Lab only
Store @ 2-8°C as soon as
possible
7days @ 2-8 °C
(LGENTP, LGENTT)
Glucose
Vitros - Ref Lab only
Store at 2-8 °C as soon as
possible
6 days @ 2-8 °C
(LFSH)
GGT
Avoid Evaporation
4 weeks if kept colder
than – 20 °C
R.T. sensitive
Gentamicin
Turbidity
7 days @ 2-8 °C
R.T. sensitive
(IT4F)
FSH(Follicle Stim Horm)
8 hrs @ R.T.
As soon as possible put
specimen into 2-8 °C.
(BHCG)
HDL (dHDL)
Serum
(HDL CHOLESTEROL)
Heparin
plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
3 hours @ R.T.
3 days 2-8 °C
Vitros
R.T. Sensitive
(LHDL)
Hemoglobin A1C
(Glycohemoglobin)
(GHGB)
Separate from cells within 3
hours of collection
EDTA whole
blood
0.5 mL
1 mL
3 weeks if kept colder
than -20°C
24 hours @ R.T.
Tosoh
14 days @ 2-8 °C
5
St. Luke's Health System
Quick Guide Stability Chart
Physical
Characteristics
that
Compromise
Results
Plasma or Serum Volume
Chemistry Test &
(order code(s))
Specimen Type
Preferred
H. pylori IgG
Serum
Acceptable
Heparin
NOTE: For the minimum volume of
blood that needs to be collected draw
double the minimum volume for
plasma/serum listed below
Minimum
Requested
0.3 mL
1mL
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
(HPYLG)
Serum
(C-Reactive Protein,
Highly Sensitive)
Heparin
Plasma
Sample Preparation
and/or Centrifugation/
Instrument
18-28°C = R.T.
2-8 °C = Refrigerated
1 day @ R.T.
Immulite
3 days @ 2-8 °C
Ref Lab only
4 hours @ R.T.
Vitros
3 days @ 2-8 °C
6 months if kept colder
than - 20°C
R.T. sensitive
(CRPHS)
Hepatitis A Antibody, IgM Serum
0.1 mL
1 mL
(HAVAB, IgM)
8 hours @ R.T.
Not to exceed 3 hours on the Vitros - Ref Lab only
system to avoid false results
due to evaporation
7 days @ 2-8 °C
Freeze at colder than
20°C if testing is not
done within 7 days
R.T. sensitive
(LHAVM)
Hepatitis A AB, Total
Special Transport
Conditions or other
Information
Plasma
(Helicobacter Pylori, IGG)
hsCRP
Stability
Serum
0.1 mL
1 mL
-
8 hours @ R.T.
Turbidity
Not to exceed 3 hours on the Vitros - Ref Lab only
system to avoid false results
due to evaporation
Turbidity
Not to exceed 3 hours on the Vitros
system to avoid false results
due to evaporation
Ref Lab only
Turbidity
Not to exceed 3 hours on the Vitros
system to avoid false results
due to evaporation
(IgG and IgM)
5 days @ 2-8 °C
R.T. sensitive
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 20°C
(LHAV)
Hepatitis B Core Ab, Total Serum
0.1 mL
1 mL
(IgG and IgM)
8 hours @ R.T.
48 hours @ 2-8°C
R.T. sensitive
(LHBCAB)
Freeze at colder than 20°C if testing is not
done within 48 hours
Hepatitis B Core Ab, IgM Serum
0.1 mL
1 mL
7 days @ 2-8°C
R.T. sensitive
(LHBCM)
Hepatitis B surface AB
Ref Lab only
4 weeks @ - 20°C
Serum
0.2 mL
1 mL
(HBsAB)
8 hours @ R.T.
Turbidity
Not to exceed 3 hours on the Vitros
system to avoid false results Ref Lab only
due to evaporation
Turbidity
Not to exceed 3 hours on the Vitros - Ref Lab only
system to avoid false results
due to evaporation
Turbidity
Not to exceed 3 hours on the Vitros - Ref Lab only
system to avoid false results
due to evaporation
48 hours @ 2-8°C
Freeze at colder than 20°C if testing is not
done within 48 hours
R.T. sensitive
(LHBSAB)
Hepatitis B surface AG
8 hours @ R.T.
Serum
0.2 mL
1mL
8 hours @ R.T.
(Hepatitis Bs Antigen)
48 hours @ 2-8°C
(HBsAG)
Freeze at colder than 20°C if testing is not
done within 48 hours
R.T. sensitive
(LHBSAG)
Hepatitis C Antibody
Serum
0.1 mL
1 mL
(HCV)
8 hours @ R.T.
48 hours @ 2-8°C
Freeze at colder than 20°C if testing is not
done within 48 hours
R.T. sensitive
(LHVC)
HIV 1&2
Serum only
(HIV 1/2 AB SCREEN
W/RFX)
R.T. sensitive
Parent
(original
tube)
required
0.5 mL
1 mL
8 hours @ R.T.
Not to exceed 3 hours on
instrument
Vitros - Ref Lab only
48hours @ 2-8 °C
Longer if kept colder @ 20 °C
(LHIV)
HIV
Serum only
Multispot
Parent
(original
tube)
required
( )
0.4 mL
1 mL
2 days @ R.T.
7 days @ 2-8°C
Long term if kept colder
than -20°C
Requires serum only and
parent tube for HIV testing
Manual kit
Ref Lab only
Homocysteine
(HCY)
Serum only
Heparin or
EDTA Plasma
Tube has to
be @ least
1/2 full to
prevent
negative bias
0.1 mL
0.5 mL
3 days @ R.T.
10 days @ 2-8°C
30 days if kept colder
than - 20°C
Sample must be put inice
immediately after being
drawn. All specimens can be
kept on ice for up to 6 hours
prior to centrifugation. At that
time serum needs to be
separated from cells and
transferred to an aliquot tube.
IgA
Serum
Heparin,
EDTA plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
1day @ R.T.
Remove from cellular material
within 2 hours after collection
6
St. Luke's Health System
Quick Guide Stability Chart
Physical
Characteristics
that
Compromise
Results
Plasma or Serum Volume
Chemistry Test &
(order code(s))
Specimen Type
Preferred
Serum
NOTE: For the minimum volume of
blood that needs to be collected draw
double the minimum volume for
plasma/serum listed below
Acceptable
Minimum
Requested
Heparin,
EDTA plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Stability
Special Transport
Conditions or other
Information
18-28°C = R.T.
2-8 °C = Refrigerated
Sample Preparation
and/or Centrifugation/
Instrument
Remove from cellular material
within 2 hours after collection
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(IGA)
IgG
Serum
Heparin,
EDTA Plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Serum
Vitros - Ref Lab only
Remove from cellular material
within 2 hours after collection
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(IGG)
IgM
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 18°C
1day @ R.T.
Heparin,
EDTA Plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 18°C
1day @ R.T.
Vitros - Ref Lab only
Remove from cellular material
within 2 hours after collection
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(IGM)
Insulin
Serum
R.T. sensitive
Heparin
Plasma
1.0 mL
1.5 mL
Heparinized
Plasma
Serum
0.1 mL
0.5 mL
R.T. unacceptable
(ICA for ABL analyzer,
ICACOM for ISTAT)
Iron
*
Serum
(IRON)
Iron/TIBC
Heparin
Plasma
(CANNOT BE
USED FOR
TIBC)
0.1 mL
1 mL
Serum
ONLY
0.5 mL
2 mL
with TIBC
Sodium
Fluoride
(gray top)
Heparin
Plasma
(on ice)
Hemolysis ↓
0.3 mL
1 mL
R.T. sensitive for
heparin tubes
7 days @ R.T. or
8°C if kept ANO2
4 days @ R.T.
2- keep capped, don't
aliquot
hemolysis ↑
7 days @ 2-8 °C
icteric sample ↓
3 months @ colder than 18°C
4 days @ R.T.
hemolysis ↑
(LACTIC)
Serum
Heparin
Plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
(Lactic Dehydrogenase)
Immulite
icteric sample ↓
If Drawn with ABG can be
ABL90
kept @ R.T. and tested within
10 minutes
Serum must be from gel tube
at least half full
Do not use hemolyzed
samples.
i-Stat (cannot run serum on
the i-Stat)
Separate cells from serum
within 4 hours Vitros
Do not use hemolyzed
samples.
Separate cells from serum
within 4 hours Vitros
3 months @ colder than 18°C
Fluoride Oxalate
Gray top has to be ½ Draw blood without using a
stability:
full or it will be
tourniquet. Centrifuge and
rejected
remove from cells within 15
min of drawing.
8 hour @ R.T.
Green top needs to
14 days @ 2-8 °C
LDH
Recommend overnight fast
Ref Lab only
3 months @ colder than 18°C
Plasma needs to be put Room temperature
on ICE as soon as
plasma is
collected
unacceptable
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(IRONP)
Lactic Acid
Vitros - Ref Lab only
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(INS)
Ionized Calcium
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 18°C
8 hours @ R.T.
Vitros
be on ice or it will be
rejected
Heparin needs to be run
STAT
2 days @ R.T.
hemolysis Refrigerated not
recommended.
Avoid prolonged contact with Separate from cells within 1
red cells
hour after collection
Do not use hemolyzed
Vitros
samples.
(LDH)
LDL (dLDL)
Serum
Heparin
Plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
1 day @ R.T.
Separate from cells with 2
hours after collection
Vitros
3 days @ 2-8 °C
(LLDL)
LH
Serum
(Luteinizing Hormone)
Heparin,
0.2 mL
0.5 mL
EDTA plasma
3 weeks if kept colder
than -20 °C
5 days @ 2-8 °C
4 weeks if kept colder
than -20 °C
R.T. unacceptable
Avoid evaporation
Vitros
Turbidity
Return back to 2-8 °C as
soon as possible
Ref Lab only
Samples are commonly
drawn 12 hours after last
dose of Lithium.
Remove from cells within 4
hours of collection
Vitros
R.T. unacceptable
(LLH)
Lithium
Serum
EDTA plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
1 day @ 2-8 °C
R.T. Sensitive
(LLI)
Lipase
8 hours @ R.T.
6 months if kept colder
than -18°C
Serum
Heparin
plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
1 week @ R.T.
Gross lipemia
Remove from cells as soon as
possible
Vitros
hemolysis ↑
Vitros
Turbidity or hemolysis
Separate serum from cells
with 2 hours
3 weeks @ 2-8 °C
(LIPASE)
Magnesium
Serum
Heparin
plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
1 week @ 2-8 ° C
(MG)
NT-pro BNP
Serum
Heparin or
EDTA plasma
5 months if kept colder
than -18 °C
1 week @ R.T.
0.4 mL
1 mL
1 month if kept colder
than -18°C
3 days @ R.T
3 days @ 2-8°C
7
St. Luke's Health System
Quick Guide Stability Chart
Stability
Physical
Characteristics
that
Compromise
Results
18-28°C = R.T.
2-8 °C = Refrigerated
Turbidity or hemolysis
Plasma or Serum Volume
Chemistry Test &
(order code(s))
Specimen Type
Serum
or
Acceptable
Preferred Heparin
EDTA plasma
NOTE: For the minimum volume of
blood that needs to be collected draw
double the minimum volume for
plasma/serum listed below
0.4 mL
Minimum
1 mL
Requested
60 ųL
0.5 mL
(PBNP)
Osmolality (Serum)
Special Transport
Conditions or other
Information
1 years @ -20°
Serum
Heparin
plasma
(OSM)
Osmolality ( Urine)
Urine
(UOSM)
Aliquot from
24 hour urine
is perferred
60 ųL
0.5 mL
Sample Preparation
and/or Centrifugation/
Instrument
Vitros - Ref Lab only
3 hours @ R.T.
Keep specimen capped
3 days @ 2-8 ° C
Keep @ 2-8 °C as much as
possible prior to testing
7 days if kept colder
than -20°C
3 hours @ R.T.
Keep specimen capped
3 days @ 2-8 ° C
Keep @ 2-8 °C as much as
possible prior to testing
7 days if kept colder
than -20°C
Phenytoin (See Dilantin)
(LDIL)
Phosphorus
Serum
Heparin
Plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
3 days @ R.T.
Separate from cellular
material within 4 hours of
collection.
7 days @ 2-8°C
(PHOS)
Prealbumin
Serum
Heparin
Plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
2 months if kept colder
than -18°C
≤ 1 day @ R.T.
Vitros
Cannot test a
previously frozen
sample
≤ 14 days @ 2-8 C
(PREALB)
Separate from cellular
material within 2 hours of
collection.
Vitros
Ref Lab only
Pro-BNP
See NT-proBNP
(PBNP)
Procalcitonin
Heparin
Plasma
Serum
0.2 mL
0.5 mL
R.T. unacceptable
48 hours @ 2-8°C
R.T. unacceptable
6 months if kept colder
than - 25°C
Need to run Stat
8 hours @ R.T.
Turbidity
The same type of sample
MiniVidas
must be used for subsequent
testing on same patient.
Reject specimen if not same
type.
(PCT)
Prolactin
Serum
Heparin
0. 3mL
1mL
Plasma
R.T. sensitive
(PROL)
Protein electrophoresis
&/or IFE, Serum
(SPE, SPEPIF)
Serum Only
Immulite - Ref Lab only
7 days @ 2-8 °C
0.5 ml
1 ml
3 months if colder than –
20 °C
4 days @ R.T.
Turbidity - not
recommended,
2 weeks @ 2-8 °C
6 months if kept colder
than - 18°C
Quick Scan 2000
Ref Lab Only
Gross Hemolysis
8
St. Luke's Health System
Quick Guide Stability Chart
Plasma or Serum Volume
Chemistry Test &
(order code(s))
Specimen Type
Preferred
PSA, Total
Acceptable
Serum Only
NOTE: For the minimum volume of
blood that needs to be collected draw
double the minimum volume for
plasma/serum listed below
Minimum
Requested
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
R.T. sensitive
Serum
Heparin
1.0 mL
2 days @ 2-8 °C
Serum or
EDTA plasma
0.3 mL
1mL
4 weeks if kept colder
than -20°c
2 days @ 2-8°C
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 20°c
R.T. unacceptable
(ORPTH)
Rheumatoid Factor
Separate from cellular
material within 4 hours after
collection
Serum
Heparin
Plasma
Immulite
R.T. unacceptable
Put in 2-8°C as soon as
possible after specimen is
clotted and spun
Vitros - Ref Lab only
OR Specimens are run stat
Avoid Evaporation
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Hemolysis
R.T. unacceptable
Turbidity
Put back into 2-8 °C as soon
as possible
Hemolysis
Vitros
1 day @ R.T.
Separate serum/plasma from
cells within 2 hours after
collection
3 days @ 2-8 °C
(RA)
Rubella IgG
Serum
Heparin and
EDTA Plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
(RUBTTR)
Salicylate
Heparin
Plasma
Serum
Ref Lab only
Turbidity
(PTHCA)
INTRAOPERATIVE PTH
(The PTH ran during
surgery)
8 hours @ R.T.
Plasma
Non Gel
Heparin
Plasma
Sample Preparation
and/or Centrifugation/
Instrument
18-28°C = R.T.
2-8 °C = Refrigerated
Longer @ colder than –
20°C
R.T. unacceptable
PTH, Intact
Special Transport
Conditions or other
Information
2 days @ 2-8 °C
(PSASCR) -screen
(IPSA) -diagnostic
(IPSAR) -PSA with Reflex
to PSA,FREE
PTH, Intact & Calcium
Stability
Physical
Characteristics
that
Compromise
Results
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
6 months if kept colder
than -20°C
1 day @ R.T.
Vitros - Ref Lab only
Turbidity
7 days @ 2-8 °C
Store at 2-8 °C as soon as
possible after clotting and
spinning
Store at 2-8°C as soon as
possible
Vitros - Ref Lab only
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 20°C
7 days @ R.T.
Gel is acceptable
Separate from cells within 4
hours of collection
Vitros
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(SALI)
Syphilis Screen
(see Treponemal
Antibody Screen)
(SYP)
Serum
Heparin
Plasma
0.2 mL
0.5 mL
6 months if colder than 18°C
1 day @ R.T.
Immulite - Ref Lab only
3 days @ 2-8 °C
Longer @ colder than –
18 °C
T 3, Total or
T4, Total Thyroxine
See Total T3 or Total T4
Tacrolimus
R.T. unacceptable
Whole Blood
EDTA
0.5 mL
2.0 mL
2 months if kept colder
than - 70°C
(LTACRO)
Tegretol (see
Carbamazepine)
Theophylline
Serum
(LTHEO)
Serum gel
tubes are
acceptable
Thyroglobulin
Serum
R.T. sensitive
Heparin
Plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Serum
(Anti TPO AB)
Heparin
Plasma
0.2 mL
Heparin
Plasma
0.2 mL
0.5 mL
0.5 mL
60 days if kept colder
than - 18°C
8 hrs @ R.T.
8 hours @ R.T.
Vitros - Ref Lab only
Specimen needs to be put
into 2-8°C as soon as
possible after collection
Separate serum/plasma from
cells within 4 hours after
collection .
Vitros
PUT BACK INTO
REFRIGERATOR ASAP
Immulite - Ref Lab only
Immulite
Ref Lab only
2 days @ 2-8 °C
(LTPOAB)
Serum
(LTOBT, LTOBP)
Serum gel
tubes are
acceptable
Total Protein
Serum
R.T. Sensitive
Tube needs to be 1/3 full
7 days @ R.T.
3 days @ 2-8 °C
2 months at colder than 20°C
R.T. Sensitive
Tobramycin
R.T. unacceptable
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(TG) can only be ordered
as part of the TGPNL
panel
Thyroid Peroxidase AB
7 days @ 2-8 °C
Heparin or
EDTA
Plasma
0.1 mL
Heparin
plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Longer is kept @ colder
than - 20°C
2 hours @ R.T.
Vitros
7 days @ 2-8 °C
0.3 mL
14 days if kept colder
than -20°C
4 hours @ R.T.
Separate serum/plasma from
cells within 4 hours of
collection
9
St. Luke's Health System
Quick Guide Stability Chart
Plasma or Serum Volume
Chemistry Test &
(order code(s))
Specimen Type
Preferred
Serum
R.T. Sensitive
Acceptable
Heparin
plasma
NOTE: For the minimum volume of
blood that needs to be collected draw
double the minimum volume for
plasma/serum listed below
Minimum
Requested
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Serum
R.T. Sensitive
Heparin
Plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Serum
R.T. Sensitive
Heparin
Plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
Serum
Heparin
Plasma
0.2 mL
0.5 mL
Serum
Heparin
plasma
0.1 mL
0.3 mL
R.T. Sensitive
Serum or
heparinized
plasma
EDTA plasma
0.3 mL
1 mL
Serum
R.T. Sensitive
Heparin
Plasma
0.3 mL
1 mL
Serum
Heparin
plasma
0.3 ml
1 ml
Serum
Heparin
Plasma
0.5 mL
1 mL
(URICA)
Valproic Acid
Vitros
Store @ 2-8 °C as soon as
possible
Ref Lab only
Avoid Evaporation
Vitros - Ref Lab only
Store @ 2-8 °C as soon as
possible
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 20°C
1 day @ R.T.
Immulite - Ref Lab only
Longer @ colder than –
18 °C
3 days @ R.T.
Separate serum/plasma from
cells within 4 hours of
collection
6 months if kept colder
than - 18°C
2 hours @ R.T.
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 18°C
8 hours @ R.T.
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 20°C
3 days @ R.T.
1 day @ R.T.
14 days @ 2-8 °C
(LVALP)
R.T. Sensitive
Avoid Evaporation
Vitros
Turbidity
Store at 2-8 °C as soon as
possible after clotting and
spinning
Avoid evaporation
Avoid Evaporation
Vitros
Vitros
Store @ 2-8 °C as soon as
possible
lipemia ↓
Vitros
5 days @ 2-8 °C
Serum Gel
acceptable
Vancomycin
Turbidity
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(ITSH)
Uric Acid
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 20°C
8 hours @ R.T.
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(TROPI)
TSH, 3rd Gen
Turbidity
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(LTRIG)
Troponin I
Vitros
3 days @ 2-8 °C
(SYP)
Triglyceride
6 months if kept colder
than - 18°C
8 hours @ R.T.
Sample Preparation
and/or Centrifugation/
Instrument
Separate serum/plasma from
cells within 4 hours of
collection
5 days @ 2-8 °C
(IT4)
Treponemal Antibody
Screen
(Syphilis Screen)
18-28°C = R.T.
2-8 °C = Refrigerated
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(LT3)
Total T4
Special Transport
Conditions or other
Information
3 days @ 2-8 °C
(TP)
Total T3
Stability
Physical
Characteristics
that
Compromise
Results
Valproic Acid samples should Vitros
be monitored at a consistent
time of day because
concentration is affected by
circadian rhythm.
14 days if kept colder
than - 20°C
Serum (foil)
EDTA plasma
Serum Gel
Acceptable
(foil)
if protected
from light
0.3 mL
1 mL
2 hours @ R.T.
Separate serum/plasma from Vitros
cells with 4 hours of collection
3 days @ 2-8 °C
Light Sensitive
(LVANCT, LVANCP)
14 days if kept colder
than - 20°C
Venous Blood Gases
Heparinized
R.T. Sensitive
Whole blood
0.5 mL in a 3 mL
syringe or 0.15 mL
in a 1 mL syringe
0.65 mL
i-Stat
30 minutes @ R.T.
Blood gas instruments
(VBG)
10
St. Luke's Health System
Quick Guide Stability Chart
Plasma or Serum Volume
Chemistry Test &
(order code(s))
Specimen Type
Preferred
Vitamin B 12
R.T. unacceptable
Acceptable
Serum
NOTE: For the minimum volume of
blood that needs to be collected draw
double the minimum volume for
plasma/serum listed below
Minimum
Requested
0.3 mL
1 mL
Stability
Physical
Characteristics
that
Compromise
Results
Special Transport
Conditions or other
Information
Sample Preparation
and/or Centrifugation/
Instrument
18-28°C = R.T.
2-8 °C = Refrigerated
7 days @ 2-8 °C
R.T. unacceptable
Vitros
4 weeks if kept colder
than - 20°C
ONLY
(B12)
URINE TESTING
Reducing Substance,
Urine
Urine Clinitest
Urine
0.5 mL
10 mL
2 hours @ R.T.
Clinitest Tablets
12 Hours @ 2-8 °C
Manual testing
2 hours @ R.T.
Manual kit
R.T. Sensitive
(URED)
Urine HCG Screen
First Morning Random
Specimen
Urine
0.1
1mL
48 hours @ 2-8°C
(PREGU)
Urine Macroscopic
Dipstick testing
Urine
0.1 mL
0.5 mL
Longer if kept colder
than -20°C
2 hours @ R.T
Atlas
Clinitek
Manual reading of strips
(UMAC,UMACCS,UROG)
Urine Myoglobin Screen
Urine
R.T. Sensitive
0.5 mL for
confirmation to
Quest
5.0 mL
2 hours @ R.T.
Atlas
Clinitek
(UMYO)
Manual reading of strips
See urine
preservative chart
URINE CHEMISTRY
Urine Amylase
Urine
0.3 mL
1.0 mL
For 24 hours urine see
collection information
7 days @ R.T.
Method
Vitros
30 days @2-8°C
Urine Calcium
Urine
0.3 mL
1 mL
Frozen is
unacceptable
5 days @ R.T.
Vitros - Ref Lab only
5 weeks @ 2-8°C
(UCA,UCAR)
Urine Creatinine
Urine
0.3 mL
1 mL
6 months is kept colder
than - 18°C
3 days @ R.T.
Vitros
5 days@ 2-8°C
(UCR,UCRR,CRCL)
Urine Glucose
Urine
0.3 mL
1 mL
0.3 mL
1 mL
Indefinite if kept colder
than - 18°C
R.T. unacceptable
Need to analyze as soon
after collection as possible
Vitros
R.T. Unacceptable
(UGL, UGLR)
Urine Magnesium
(UMG, UMGR)
Urine
1 week @ R.T.
Vitros - Ref Lab only
1 week @ 2-8 °C
1 month if kept colder
than -18°C
11
St. Luke's Health System
Quick Guide Stability Chart
Plasma or Serum Volume
Chemistry Test &
(order code(s))
Specimen Type
Preferred
Acceptable
NOTE: For the minimum volume of
blood that needs to be collected draw
double the minimum volume for
plasma/serum listed below
Minimum
Requested
Stability
Urine
0.3 ml
1 ml
(MALR, MAL24)
(for WRFM - MALBSQ)
Urine Phosphorous
Special Transport
Conditions or other
Information
See urine
preservative chart
For 24 hours urine see
collection information
Sample Preparation
and/or Centrifugation/
Instrument
18-28°C = R.T.
2-8 °C = Refrigerated
URINE CHEMISTRY
Urine Microalbumin
Physical
Characteristics
that
Compromise
Results
1 day @ R.T.
Method
Vitros - Ref Lab only
7 days@ 2-8 °C
Urine
0.3 ml
1 ml
6 hours @ R.T,
Vitros - Ref Lab Only
2 days @ 2-8 °C
(UPO4, UPOR)
Urine Potassium
Urine
0.3 ml
1 ml
6 months if kept colder
than - 18°C
4 days @ R.T.
Vitros
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(UK,UKR)
Urine Protein
Electrophoresis &/or IFE
Urine,
random or 24
hour
10 ml
20 ml
R.T. Sensitive
Icludes Urine Total
Protein
(UPE, UPEPIF)
Urine Sodium
6 months if kept colder
than - 18°c
8 hours @ R.T,
Quick Scan 2000
5 days @ 2-8 °C
Ref Lab only
6 months if kept colder
than - 18°C
Urine
0.3 ml
1 ml
4 days @ R.T.
Vitros
7 days @ 2-8 °C
(UNA,UNAR)
Urine Urea Nitrogen
Urine
0.3 mL
1 mL
R.T. unacceptable
(UUN,UUNR,UNCL)
Urine Uric Acid
(UUA,UUAR)
Urine
0.3 ml
1 ml
6 months if kept colder
than - 18°c
Refrigerate specimens
that cannot be analyzed
immediately
3 days @ R.T.
R.T. unacceptable
Vitros - Ref Lab only
Need to be kept @ 2-8 °C
Refrigerated or frozen
urine samples
Vitros - Ref Lab Only
12
St. Luke's Health System
Quick Guide Stability Chart
Plasma or Serum Volume
Chemistry Test &
(order code(s))
Specimen Type
Preferred
Acceptable
NOTE: For the minimum volume of
blood that needs to be collected draw
double the minimum volume for
plasma/serum listed below
Minimum
Requested
0.4 mL
0.5 mL
Stability
Physical
Characteristics
that
Compromise
Results
Special Transport
Conditions or other
Information
Sample Preparation
and/or Centrifugation/
Instrument
18-28°C = R.T.
2-8 °C = Refrigerated
Serology/Manual
Tests
Cryptococcal Antigen
Serum
CSF
6 months if kept colder
than - 20°C
1 gm solid or 1 mL Approximate 2 gms 1 hour @ R.T
liquid
solid or 2 mL liquid 5 days @ 2-8°C
Stool
R.T. Sensitive
(FECFAT)
Stool
(OCCBLD)
Fecal Reducing
Substance
Stool
Small amount to
make thin smear
0.5 mL
Once on card, 5 days
1.0 mL
I hour @ R.T.
Gastric
contents
30 days if frozen at
colder than -20°C
5 days Once on card
Small amount to
make thin smear
(OCCGAS)
Mononucleosis Screen
Serum
R.T. Sensitive
(MONOSC)
HIV-1/2 Rapid AB
Serum
HIV Screen
(HIVEXP)
HCG Serum /Urine
Screen
(BHCGSC,PREGU)
Serum
VDRL, Spinal Fluid
CSF
Heparinized
or EDTA
Plasma
0.1 mL
Heparinized
or EDTA
plasma
0.1 mL
Random urine
0.1 mL
0.5 mL
1.0 mL
Urine first
morning
specimen
(VDRLS)
Serum
Gastric contents have to be < Manual Testing
2 hours old prior to putting on
card
Manual Testing
24 hours @ 2-8°c
72 hours @ 2-8 °C
48 Hours @ 2-8°C
Need to test Mother’s blood
of infant < 9 months old
Clear View Kit
Manual Testing
Manual Testing
48 hours if kept at colder
than - 20°C
0.1 mL
1.0 mL
(VDRL)
R.T. sensitive
Manual Testing
0.5 mL
R.T. Sensitive
VDRL, Serum
Stool has to be < 2 hours old Manual Testing
prior to be putting on card
5 days @ 2-8°C
(RSST)
Occult Blood, Gastric
Manual test - Ref Lab only
30 days if frozen
Fecal Occult Blood
Gastric Occult Blood
Manual test - Ref Lab only
13 days @ 2-8 °C
(CRYPT)
Fecal Fat, Qualitative
Serum and CSF:
1.0 mL
2.0 mL
4 hours @ R.T.
Manual Testing
4 days @ 2-8°C
At the Ref Lab only
5 days if kept colder
than - 20°C
4 hours @ R.T.
Sent to State
4 days @ 2-8°C
5 days if kept colder
than - 20°C
13