Laboratory Test Directory

Collection: Routine venipuncture. Cleaning of puncture site should be performed with a non-alcoholic solution. Arterial, venous, or capillary whole blood properly collected in a closed system is the preferred specimen.

Storage Instructions: Blood: Grey-topped tube - The container should have sufficient NaF to make 1% with the submitted blood. Store at room temperature or refrigerate. Red-topped tube - Centrifuge the specimen and immediately deliver unopened tube to the laboratory testing site. Do not open the tube. Blood stored without NaF is stable at room temperature (25°C) for 48 hours or refrigerated (5°C) for about two weeks. Other sample types: refrigerate.

Availability: Samples are received 24 hours per day at Sample Management, Room 5.136 McCullough. Deposit chain of custody samples in the Night Deposit Box, Room 5.160, McCullough Building, after 4:00 PM.

Turnaround Time: Routine: 24 hours; STAT: 1 hour; ER: 45 min

Special Instructions: Chain of Custody samples are not performed STAT.

Specimen: Blood, spinal fluid, bile, urine, vitreous humor

Volume: 7 mL whole blood; 10 mL urine; 1 mL spinal fluid, bile

Minimum Volume: 1 mL plasma or serum

Container: Preferred: gray-topped tube (NaF and potassium oxalate); Acceptable: red-topped tube

Significant Values: Blood concentrations above 400 mg/dL have been associated with fatalities.

Test Method: Colorimetric

Revised by A.O. Okorodudu, PhD, MBA 12/15/2010

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