Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type:  Heparinized whole blood

Collection Container/Tube:  Green top (sodium or lithium heparin).  Blood gas syringe is acceptable

Specimen Volume:  Full tube or syringe

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect anaerobically, do not open until specimen analysis        

2. Use of tourniquet is not recommended- If use of a tourniquet is necessary, collect Lactic Acid specimen immediately (or release tourniquet at least 3 minutes before collecting the Lactic Acid sample)

3. Do not have patient pump fist

4. Specimen must be analyzed within 15 minutes of collection.

Reject Due To:

Hemolysis 

Specimen received >15 minutes after collection.

Specimen received on ice.