Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Gold (gel separator) or Red (plain)

Acceptable: Plasma, Green top (lithium heparin)

Specimen Volume: 2.0 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL

Collection Instructions:

Note:  There is potential for interference from N-acetylcysteine (NAC) if testing is performed immediately after giving NAC.   Acetaminophen levels should be ordered as timed for 2 hours after giving N-acetylcysteine and prior to the next dose, to ensure results are not impacted by NAC.   Initial acetaminophen levels drawn to diagnose a potential acetaminophen overdose will not be impacted. 

Therapeutic-suggested peak draw is 1/2 hour to 1 hour post dose.

1. For suspected overdose, submit 2 specimens drawn 4 hours and 12 hours after ingestion.

2. To determine half-life, the first of the 2 specimens should be drawn at least 4 hours after ingestion to ensure peak levels have been achieved.

Reject Due To:

Hemolysis: 4+

Lipemia: 4+