Fasting is required prior to sample collection

Fasting for a blood test

Grey Sodium flouride (NaFl)

PRIOR to scheduling the patient draw, place a supply order for a Lactose Packet Kit (1 Kit = [2] 25gm packets). Order must be placed 5 business days prior to the test draw. Maximum number of kits sent to client is 1. 

1. Obtain a fasting sample
   1. Immediately after collection, mix tube thoroughly by gentle inversion, 8 - 10 times, to prevent clotting
2. Have patient drink 50 gm of lactose solution dissolved in 8 oz. of water.
3. Obtain samples at 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after ingestion
   1. Immediately after collection of each sample, mix tube thoroughly by gentle inversion, 8 - 10 times, to prevent clotting

Grey Sodium flouride (NaFl) tube

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

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

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

Immediately after collection, mix tube thoroughly by gentle inversion, 8 - 10 times, to prevent clotting

Grey Sodium flouride (NaFl) tube:

If a grey top tube will not reach the Central Laboratory within 24 hours of collection:

1. Spin
2. Transfer plasma to a False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL) labeled as NaFl plasma

Additional testing cannot be added on to this sample.

Gold serum separator (SST) tube:

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

Lt green plasma separator (PST):

1. Spin

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

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

Na Fl whole blood:

Refrigerated - 24 hours

Li hep plasma/Na Fl plasma/Serum:

Refrigerated - 7 days

• Improper labels (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Hemolysis (some procedures)
• Improper anticoagulant or ratio
• Delay in transport
  • Na fl whole blood not received at AHL within 24 hours
• Improper storage temperature affecting results
• Inappropriate timing of collection
• Improper container
• Leaking container resulting in compromised specimen
• Quantity not sufficient (QNS)

Hexokinase

Increase of ≥ 30 mg/dL over fasting glucose is considered normal