Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type:  Heparinized whole blood

Collection Container/Tube:  Green top (sodium or lithium heparin).  Blood gas syringe is acceptable

Specimen Volume:  Full tube or syringe

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect anaerobically, do not open until specimen analysis        

2. Use of tourniquet is not recommended- If use of a tourniquet is necessary, collect Lactic Acid specimen immediately (or release tourniquet at least 3 minutes before collecting the Lactic Acid sample)

3. Do not have patient pump fist

4. Place specimen immediately on ice and transport on ice.  Specimen must be analyzed within 60 minutes of collection.

Reject Due To:

Hemolysis 

Specimen received >60 minutes after collection and not on ice.