Test Information:
Such as lymphoma and myeloma.
Specimen Container:
Lavender Top Tube (EDTA)
Specimen Type:
Plasma
Required Volume:
4 mL
Patient Preparation:
- Patient is instructed to AVOID any form of muscular exercises before and during blood extraction.
- Cigarette smoking (both patient and phlebotomy staff) prior to collection of the specimen is restricted.
Notes:
To obtain optimal results, it is recommended that specimen collection must be done on site. However, in cases of SEND OUT and/or HOUSE CALL, pre-analytical procedures below must be STRICTLY FOLLOWED.
1. Smoking should be avoided prior to sampling.
2. Tubes should be filled completely and kept tightly stoppered at all times.
3. After specimen collection, immediately place the sample in a 2–8 °C environment, ensuring it is NOT in direct contact with ice.
4. FOR SEND OUT specimen, centrifuge and separate the plasma within 15 minutes.
5. Perform analysis within 60 minutes of venipuncture or freeze plasma immediately.
6. Rapid separation of plasma from blood cells is critical for obtaining reliable results. The standard recommendation is no more than 15 minutes from sample collection to the start of centrifugation. Timing is especially critical for patients with liver disease. Delays exceeding 15 minutes have been shown to increase ammonia concentration even at 0˚C.
However, if delay in transportation occurs, it is vital to follow the stipulated storage and stability. Specimen received beyond the stipulated storage and stability is considered “sub-optimal” in nature.
Storage & Stability
(Before Processing)
- Storage: 2 to 8°C
Stability: 2 hours - Storage: 15 to 25°C
Stability: 30 minutes - Storage: – 20°C (± 5 °C)
Stability: 3 days - Storage: – 60 to – 90°C
Stability: at least 4 weeks
FREEZE ONLY ONCE!
Transport Temperature:
Frozen (- 20°C)
Test Category:
Routine
Test Schedule:
Daily
Results Availability:
Within 4 hours