One 3 mL lavender (EDTA), yellow (ACD) or white (PPT potassium) top tube OR serum OR CSF collected in a sterile, plastic, leak-proof container OR >3 cubic mm fresh tissue collected in a sterile, plastic, leak-proof container.

Also acceptable: Body fluids (amniotic fluid, ocular fluid), Lower respiratory specimens (BAL, bronchial wash, trachael secretions) collected in a sterile, plastic, leak-proof container.

* Collection Instructions *

CSF

• Submit in a sterile, plastic container and stored refrigerated or frozen.

Tissue

• Submit in a sterile, plastic container and transport frozen.

DO NOT FREEZE WHOLE BLOOD

Minimum Volume

• 0.3 mL
• Greater than 3 cubic mm

Whole blood

Ambient: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

All other specimens

Ambient: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: 30 days

• Hemolyzed whole blood
• Heparin whole blood