Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Rejection Criteria
Room temperature samples
Reference Range(s)
Adult Baseline: <50 NG/DL
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen
Serum separator tube
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL serum or plasma
Sample Stability
After separation from cells: Unacceptable room temperature 1 week refrigerated 6 months frozen
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Collection Instructions
1 mL serum. Allow SST to clot in an upright position for at least 30 minutes, then centrifuge sample within 2 hours of collection. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube. Freeze. It is recommended that the sample be collected between 8-10 AM. When multiple tests are ordered, submit separate tube for this test.
Alternative Specimen
1 mL EDTA (lavender top) or sodium heparin (green top) plasma. Centrifuge sample and separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer plasma to a plastic transport tube. Clearly label tube as EDTA or heparin plasma. Freeze.