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

Gold serum separator (SST) tube x2

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. Combine 3-4 mL serum to (one) 1 plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL), labelled as serum

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

Dk green Sodium heparin (Na hep), no gel

Lavender (EDTA), 4mL

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

Lt green: 

1. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Dk green/lavender:

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

Lt green plasma separator (PST) 

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

Refrigerated (preferred) - 21 days

Frozen - 3 months

• Serum (preferred) and heparinized or EDTA plasma are acceptable for the initial testing only; plasma is NOT acceptable for HCV RNA.
• If plasma is collected and the result is equivocal or reactive, a new sample will need to be collected.
• 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)

Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)

Non-reactive