Lt green plasma separator (PST)

• If the patient has a white blood cell (WBC) count of >50,000, for chemistry testing that includes potassium, the sample should be collected in a gold serum separator (SST) tube and not a Lt green plasma separator (PST) tube.
• Immediately after collection, mix tube thoroughly by gentle inversion, 8 - 10 times, to prevent clotting

Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Red serum vial/tube, 5 mL

Red serum vial/tube, 10 mL

Immediatley following collection, mix sample by inverting 5 times

Gold:

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

Red:

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

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

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

Refrigerated - 4 days

Ambient - 8 hours (uncapped/unopened)

• 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)

See individual tests

See report or individual tests