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

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)

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