Specimen

Type:  Serum

Amount needed:  1mL, minimum 0.5mL

Preparation of Patient:  Draw in morning between 7:30 am and 12:00 noon due to diurnal variation.

Stability: Seperate from cells within 2 hours of draw.

               Ambient - 8 hours.

              Refrigerated -  24 hours

              Frozen - Freeze samlpe at -20^oC if testing cannot be performed within 24 hours. Thaw no                                  more than three(3) times.

Handling/Transport:  Transport refrigerated.  Freeze if sample will not be tested within 24 hours of                                        collection.

Special Instructions:  Draw in AM between 7:30am and 12:00noon