The ordering provider should direct patient as to what food/drink should be consumed prior to the sample collection.

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

• Draw specimen 2 hours after eating
• Immediately following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gentle inverting 8 - 10 times to prevent clotting

Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Grey Sodium flouride (NaFl)

Lavender (EDTA), 4mL

Gold:

1. Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

EDTA: 

1. Spin
2. Transfer the plasma to an AHL False Bottom Plasma/Serum Transport Tube labeled as the appropriate plasma type, within two (2) hours of sample collection

Grey:

If a grey top tube will not reach the Central Laboratory within 24 hours of collection, it should be spun down, and the plasma transferred to an AHL False Bottom Plasma/Serum Transport Tube labeled as "NaFl plasma". 

Additional testing cannot be added on to this sample.

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Grey Sodium flouride (NaFl) or

False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL)

Plasma/serum:

Refrigerated - 3 days

Ambient - 8 hours

NaFl whole blood:

Ambient - 3 days

• Improper labels (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Hemolysis (some procedures)
• Improper anticoagulant or ratio
• Delay in transport
• Improper storage temperature affecting results
• Inappropriate timing of collection
• Improper container
• Leaking container resulting in compromised specimen
• Quantity not sufficient (QNS)

Hexokinase

Fasting: 70 -99 mg/dL

2 hour: 70 - 139 mg/dL

<54 mg/dL or >500 mg/dL

* No call if collected within 30 minutes of a glucose meter result.

No fasting sample is required, but can be ordered separately. If fasting test is ordered, and result is >126, contact ordering physician to determine if lab should continue procedure.