It is recommended that patients abstain from any biotin containing supplement for 12 - 24 hours prior to blood draw. Biotin is commonly found in hair, skin and nail supplements and multivitamins.

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

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Red serum vial/tube, 5 mL

Lavender (EDTA), 4mL

Gold:

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

Lavender:

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

Gold

1. Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection
3.  

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

Lavender:

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

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

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

Refrigerated (preferred) - 6 days

Ambient - 3 days

Frozen (-20°C) - 24 months

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)

< 50 yrs old: < 450 pg/mL

50 -75 yrs:   < 900 pg/mL

> 75 yrs:      < 1800 pg/mL

All individuals regardless of age with an estimated GFR 60 mL/min: < 1800 pg/mL

NT-proBNP values less than 300 pg/mL have a 99% negative predictive value for excluding congestive heart failure.  A cutoff of 1200 pg/mL for patients with an eGFR <60 yields a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 89% and 72% for acute congestive heart failure.  A diagnostic NT-proBNP cutoff of 900 pg/mL has been suggested in adults 50-75 years of age in absence of renal failure.

Medical necessity