Obtain pyruvate collection tube before collecting sample. Collect 5 mL sodium or lithium heparin whole blood. Immediately following collection, transfer 1 mL whole
blood to a chilled pyruvate collection tube. Mix well for 30 seconds and place in ice bath for 10 minutes. Centrifuge sample for 10 minutes at 1500 rcf. Transfer 2 mL supernatant to a plastic transport tube. Freeze sample for transport to the laboratory.
Critical Frozen (CFZ). Clearly label tube as plasma collected in pyruvate collection tube.
Note: patient should be fasting and at complete rest prior to sample collection. Patient should avoid any exercise of the arm or hand before and during collection. Collect the sample without the use of a tourniquet or within 3 minutes
of applying the tourniquet, but before releasing the tourniquet. When multiple tests are ordered, submit separate tube for this test.