Laboratory Medicine

Specimen Handling

Collection Instructions: Collect sample in serum or heparinized plasma collected with or without gel separator. Studies have shown that degradation of folate due to fluorescent light up to one week after blood collection is small and unlikely to affect accuracy of results.

Write your initials, date and time of collection on the collection label or requisition.

Lab Instructions: Separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection

Rejection Criteria: Gross hemolysis, unlabeled or not sufficient quantity.

Stability: Stable at room temperature for 8 hours, refrigerated for 7 days, and frozen for 3 months.

Transportation: Send sample to core lab as soon as possible.