Specimen Handling and Stability

Handle and store specimens in stoppered containers to avoid contamination and evaporation.

Do not refrigerate the specimen prior to centrifugation because the potassium will leak from the red blood cells. Centrifuge specimens to remove the plasma/serum from the cellular material within 2 hours of collection.

Specimen Stability

*  Room Temperature: 6 weeks

*  Refrigerated: 6 weeks

*  Frozen: 12 months