Gold serum separator (SST) tube

• A number of protocols are available
  • The most common protocol is to administer 1.0 mg of Dexamethasone at 11 PM and to draw the specimen the next morning at 8 AM.
• It is not recommeded to do this test on patients treated with Prednisolone.
• 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

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

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

Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Plasma separator (Lt green PST)

Refrigerated (preferred) - 4 days

Ambient - 24 hours

Frozen - 12 months

• 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)

Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)

< 5.0 µg/dL