Collection/Processing Instructions

Citrated plasma samples should be collected by double centrifugation: 

1. Blood should be collected in a blue-top tube containing 3.2% buffered sodium citrate.
2.  Evacuated collection tubes must be filled to completion to ensure a proper blood to anticoagulant ratio. The sample should be mixed immediately by gentle inversion at least six times to ensure adequate mixing of the anticoagulant with the blood.
3. Centrifuge for 10 minutes and carefully remove ²/₃ of the plasma using a plastic transfer pipette, being careful not to disturb the cells. Deliver to a plastic transport tube, cap, and recentrifuge for 10 minutes.
4. Use a second plastic pipette to remove the plasma, staying clear of the platelets at the bottom of the tube. Transfer the plasma into a transfer tube.
5. Freeze immediately and maintain frozen until tested.

To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.

Preparation of Platelet-Poor Plasma