Biotin supplements may cause clinically significant interference for this test assay. If interference is suspected, it is strongly recomended that biotin is discontinued for at least one week prior to retesting

Samples should not be taken from patients receiving therapy with high biotin doses (i.e. > 5 mg/day) until at least 8 hours following the last biotin administration.

Fasting is recommended prior to specmen collection

 Fasting for a blood test

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Immediately following collection, thoroughly mix sample by gently inverting 5 times

1. Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection
3. Transfer serum to a False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL), labelled as serum
4. Freeze

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

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

Immediately following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gently inverting 8 - 10, times to prevent clotting

1. Spin
2. Transfer plasma to a False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL), labelled as the appropriate plasma type, within two (2) hours of sample collection
3. Freeze

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

Frozen (preferred) - 1 month

Ambient - 4 hours

Refrigerated - 24 hours

• Improper labels (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Hemolysis 
• Improper anticoagulant or ratio
• Delay in transport
• Improper storage temperature affecting results
• Improper container
• Leaking container resulting in compromised specimen
• Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
• Serum frozen in the gel collection tube

Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)

1.1 - 4.4 ng/mL