Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Rejection Criteria
Samples collected in serum separator tube
Reference Range(s)
By report
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen
Plain red top tube
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL serum or plasma
Sample Stability
1 month room temperature 1 month refrigerated 25 months frozen
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Collection Instructions
1 mL serum from a plain red top tube. Allow sample to
clot in an upright position for at least 60 minutes, then
centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a plastic transport
tube within 2 hours of collection. Clearly label tube as
serum from a plain red top tube. Refrigerate
Alternative Specimen
1 mL EDTA (lavender top) plasma. Centrifuge sample and
separate plasma from cells immediately. Transfer plasma to
a plastic transport tube. Clearly label tube as EDTA
plasma. Refrigerate.