Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Immediatley following collection, 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

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Red serum vial/tube - 5 mL

Red/grey serum separator (SST) vial/tube, 10 mL

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

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

Red/grey serum separator (SST) vial/tube, 10 mL

Refrigerated (preferred) - 7 days

Frozen (OK)

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

Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA)

Negative (<1:20)

Anti-mitochondrial antibodies are present in 85 to 95 %t of cases of primary biliary cirrhosis. The presence of high titers of AMA is helpful in distinguishing biliary cirrhosis from liver problems due to obstruction outside of the liver, viral hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. Low titers may be detected in other liver disorders including chronic active hepatitis and cryptogenic cirrhosis.

Reflexes to titer if positive.

Screening is perfomed at 1:20 dilution. Titers performed: 1:40, 80, 160, 320 and 640