Important Note

Preferred Specimen(s)

Adults and children ≥10 years: 6 mL whole blood collected in a Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Pediatric 2-9 years of age: 4 mL whole blood collected in a Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Pediatric <2 years of age: 2 mL whole blood collected in a Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Immunocompromised individuals
Adults and children ≥10 years: 9 mL whole blood collected in a Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Alternative Specimen(s)

Sodium heparin (green-top) tube

Minimum Volume

• Adults and children ≥10 years: 6 mL.  IF <3.5 mL sample is received on these patients (Adults and children ≥10 years) the test will be cancelled as Quantity NOT Sufficient (QNS).

• Pediatric 2-9 years: 4 mL

• Pediatric <2 years: 2 mL

• Immunocompromised ≥10 years: 9 mL

Collection Instructions

*** This is a short stability test and requires special handling. ***

Patient Service Centers (PSCs) are available to collect Monday-Friday.

Collect blood by venipuncture into a Quest-provided Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube. The tube contents must be inverted (8-10 times) to ensure that the whole blood is mixed thoroughly with the anticoagulant. Date and time of draw are required and must be provided.

Specimens must be packed for transport in a Quest supplied shipping container or sleeve that has been validated to maintain sample stability. Do not draw the day before a FedEx limited service day, which may include holidays or inclement weather events.

Transport Container

Greiner 9 mL lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

• Room temperature: 54 hours
• Refrigerated: Unacceptable
• Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria

Hemolysis • Anticoagulants other than lithium or sodium heparin • Centrifuged • Samples not received in T-SPOT insulated shipper/sleeve