Specimen Collection

• Prior to sample collection, review the requisition to ensure that the correct sample type is collected for the test you desire.
• Please ensure all tube caps or closures are tight and will not leak; we highly recommend that non-screw cap closures be secured with Parafilm to prevent leaks.
• Provide one aliquot per test requested.
• Specimens must be accompanied by an Eve Diagnostics requisition and must include the following information:
  • Patient full name
  • Patient date of birth
  • Patient PHN
  • Specimen type
  • Collection date and time
  • Reason for testing and relevant medication
  • Referring lab contact information (including fax number and email address)
  • Tests(s) requested

Plasma (Preferred specimen type for all assays):

• Draw blood and collect into an appropriate anticoagulant treated tubes (Lavender/Purple BD Vacutainer® tube for plasma (EDTA)).  Note: Heparin is not recommended as an anti-coagulant as this causes an interference in assay performance.
• Gently invert the tube to mix.
• Centrifuge at 1000 x g for 10 min at 4°C within 30 minutes of blood collection.
• Repeat centrifuging if necessary to separate the plasma from the cellular components.
• Aliquot 0.5 mL to 1 mL of plasma immediately into a pyrogen/endotoxin-free polypropylene tube. The aliquot should be drawn from the middle of the sample volume. Avoid transferring any cellular debris or red blood cells.
• Freeze plasma immediately.
• Avoid using hemolyzed or lipemic plasma.

Serum:

• Draw blood and collect in a Gold or Red BD Vacutainer® tube for serum collection.
• Allow blood to clot at room temperature for 30 min or more.
• After clotting, centrifuge at 1000 x g for 10 min at 4°C.
• Aliquot serum immediately while avoiding red blood cells/blood clot.
• Freeze serum immediately.
• Avoid using hemolyzed or lipemic serum.

CSF:

• Send in sterile tube.
• Freeze and ship on dry ice.