Frequently Asked Questions...
and Answers
For accurate and reliable results, choose plasma-EDTA for all our tests. Plasma, preserved with EDTA, maintains the integrity of your biomarker analysis by preventing clotting and reflecting the true state of the circulating immune environment. Unlike serum, in which inflammatory factors can be released during clotting (1), plasma provides a more precise snapshot. Plus, since specific reference intervals for serum haven’t been established for several tests, using plasma-EDTA avoids the risk of sample rejection and ensures the highest quality data.
- von Hundelshausen P, Weber C. Platelets as immune cells: bridging inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Circ Res. 2007;100(1):27-40. doi: 10.1161/01.RES.0000252802.25497.b7. PubMed PMID: 17204662.
Serum amyloid is simply a universal convention to distinguish the Amyloid A we detect as being in biological fluids (typically serum or plasma), and not from cellular or tissue extracts for example. Plasma-EDTA is the preferred sample type for SAA testing.
For optimal accuracy in your results, it is crucial to freeze samples promptly within 30 minutes of collection and minimize freeze-thaw cycles to preserve analyte integrity (1). To ensure your samples are handled with the utmost care, follow our comprehensive Sample Collection Guide and Shipping Guide. These resources provide step-by-step instructions to help you maintain the highest standards in sample integrity.
- de Jager W, Bourcier K, Rijkers GT, Prakken BJ, Seyfert-Margolis V. Prerequisites for cytokine measurements in clinical trials with multiplex immunoassays. BMC Immunol. 2009;10:52. Epub 20090928. doi: 10.1186/1471-2172-10-52. PubMed PMID: 19785746; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2761376.
We pride ourselves on a rapid turnaround time, with results typically delivered within 5 business days of receiving your specimen and payment. With our commitment to precision and efficiency, you can count on us to provide the insights you need, promptly and accurately.
A Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) is a diagnostic test that is designed, developed, and validated within our CLIA-certified clinical laboratory for patient testing.
Our LDTs undergo rigorous analytical validation and ongoing quality oversight to ensure accurate and reliable results. These tests are used to support patient care and clinical decision-making.
LDTs are validated for clinical use and are distinct from assays intended solely for research purposes.
This approach allows specialized laboratories to offer highly targeted testing when commercially manufactured options are unavailable or insufficient for specific clinical applications.