Fasting is required prior to sample collection

Fasting for a blood test

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

1. Draw a fasting specimen
   • Immediately following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gentle inverting 8 - 10 times to prevent clotting
   • If the fasting glucose is >126, cancel the testing as not indicated and notify the ordering physician
2. Give fasting patient 100 gm glucose solution
• Must be consumed within 10 minutes
3. Draw specimens at 1, 2 and 3 hours
   • Immediately following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gentle inverting 8 - 10 times to prevent clotting
   • Label each with the time and hour collected

Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Grey Sodium flouride (NaFl)

Lavender (EDTA), 4mL

Gold:

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

Lavender:

1. Spin
2. Transfer the plasma to an AHL False Bottom Plasma/Serum Transport Tube labeled as the appropriate plasma type, within two (2) hours of sample collection

Grey:

If a grey top tube will not reach the Central Laboratory within 24 hours of collection, it should be spun down, and the plasma transferred to an AHL False Bottom Plasma/Serum Transport Tube labeled as "NaFl plasma". Additional testing cannot be added on to this sample.

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Grey Sodium flouride (NaFl) or

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

Architect:

Plasma/serum:

Refrigerated - 7 days

NaFl whole blood:

Refrigerated -  24 hrs

Roche:

Plasma/serum:

Refrigerated - 3 days

Ambient - 8 hours

NaFl whole blood:

Ambient - 3 days

• 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)

Hexokinase