Serum Collection & Handling

Collection Requirements

Sample Handling

• Draw 2 (8.5 or 10cc) redtop or tigertop tubes. Invert tubes 5 times.
  NOTE: Whole blood will yield about 40% serum or plas
• Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes – 1 hour until blood clots.
• Centrifuge to separate cells from the serum. If a centrifuge is not available, place blood in a refrigerator and allow clot to retract overnight; then carefully decant serum.
• Place serum in a screwtop mailing vial.
• Label vial with patient’s name, DOB, Physician’s name and draw date.
• Store under refrigeration until shipping. Do not freeze.

Serum Shipping

Complete the appropriate information on the test request form. If Medicare/Medicaid or Insurance billing, complete the appropriate information on the reverse side of the test request form. Enclose the test request form in the shipping container with the serum. The patient’s serum must be sent in the Serolab shipping containers.

Additional Testing

In some cases, a Physician may want to request additional laboratory tests after the initial tests have been performed. The patient’s serum not used for the initial test is stored for four months at Serolab. Additional testing can be ordered by faxing Serolab and providing the patient’s name, accession number, and additional test(s) to be performed. Only one additional testing request will be available.