Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Lithium heparin (light green-top)

Acceptable: Serum Gel

 Draw blood from a fasting patient (non fasting specimens are accepted for special studies).  Spin down and send 1 mL (pediatric:  0.2 mL) of plasma or serum

Notes:

1. Patients with a history of insulin usage may have insulin antibodies which cause an inaccurate assay result.
2. If multiple specimens are drawn, send separate request form for each specimen.
3. Label specimens appropriately (corresponding draw time).