Test Catalog

Test Catalog

Test NameSpecimen Type/ Stability
11-Desoxycortisol1 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)/ Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen: 28 days
17-Hydroxycorticosteroids and 17-Ketosteroids40 mL aliquot from a 24-hour urine collection/ Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
17-Hydroxycorticosteroids and Creatinine Ratio, 24HR Urine20 mL of a 24-hour urine/ Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 1 week
Frozen: 1 month
17-Hydroxypregnenolone2 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)/ Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 28 days
17-Ketosteroids with Creatinine, 24-Hour Urine20 mL aliquot from a 24-hour urine collection/ Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
5´ Nucleotidase1 mL serum/ Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 14 days
5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (HIAA), Quantitative, 10 mL urine from a 24-hour urine collection/ Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 30 days
25-Hydroxy Vitamin D (D2 and D3)TOTAL0.8 mL serum/ Room temperature: 3 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 12 months
1,25 Dihydroxy Vitamin D1 mL serum/ Room temperature: 28 days
Refrigerated: 28 days
Frozen: 28 days
ABO Grouping and Rho(D) Typing *5 mL whole blood collectedin in an ACD-A or ACD-B (yellow-top) tube/ Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 6 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®), Serum *1 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)/ Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Acetylcholine Receptor-binding Antibodies, Serum *1 mL serum/ Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 1 year
Acetylcholine Receptor- Blocking Antibodies, *1 mL serum/ Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 1 year
Acid Phosphatase, Prostatic, imm 1 mL serum/ Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 28 days
Acid-Fast (Mycobacteria) Culture w/fluorochrome smearSputum/ Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Actin (Smooth Muscle) Antibody, Igg *0.5 mL serum/ Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Acute Leukemia follow up Panel(1)ACD-A or EDTA, Na+ Hep.(1)/ 72 hours (may extend to 5 days depending on cell viability).
Adenovirus Antigen, DFA3 mL of nasopharyngeal aspirate/wash, bronchial lavage/wash, throat swab, conjunctival swab or nasal/nasopharyngeal swab in V-C-M medium (green-cap) tube or equivalent
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), Plasma1.5 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube/ Room temperature: 16 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 28 days
Adrenal AB with RFX to Titer2 mL serum/ Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Aerobic Bacterial Culture, GeneralCulure Swab/ Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Aerobic ID and SusceptibilityCulture Swab/ Deliver to the microbiology laboratory as soon as possible.
Room temperature: Stability varies with organism and transport system.
Alkaline Phosphatase, serum1 mL serum/ Serum
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), SGPT1 mL serum/ plasma(EDTA)
Plasma: Room temperature/Refrigerated: 7 days
Serum: Refrigerated: 3 days
Frozen: longer than 3 days
Albumin, Serum1 mL serum/ plasma(heparinized)
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 30 days
Aldolase2 mL serum/ Room temperature: Not established
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 14 days
Aldosterone, 24-Hour Urine *5 mL 24-hour urine collected in a 24-hour container/ Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 28 days
Frozen: 21 days
Aldosterone, LC/MS/MS1 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)/ Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes2 mL serum/ Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 21 days
Frozen: 21 days
Allergen Profile, Adult Food specific IGG3.5 mL serum/ Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Allergen Profile, Child Food3 mL serum/Room temperature
Allergen Profile, Respiratory, region 6: AL, AR, LA, MS4 mL serum/ Room temperature
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, Qnt.1 mL serum [alt. spec. red top tube] / Room temperature: 2 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Maternal Serum (MS-AFP)1 mL serum/Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 45 days
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Serum, Tumor Marker1 mL serum/Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 45 days
Aluminum, Plasma/Serum *2 mL serum collected in a no additive (royal blue-top) trace element tube/Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Aluminum, Random Urine *7 mL random urine in acid-washed, plastic urine container/Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Amikacin (Amikin®), Serum, Peak1 ML SERUM COLLECTED IN A RED-TOP TUBE (NO GEL)/ Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Amikacin (Amikin®), Serum, Peak and Trough1 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel) for each specimen/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 7 days
Amikacin (Amikin®), Serum, Trough1 ml Serum Collected in a Red-Top Tube (NO GEL)/ Room Temperature: 7 Days
Refrigerated: 7 DAYS
Frozen: 7 DAYS
Amiodarone (Cordarone®), Serum, Trough3 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)/Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen: 30 days
Amitriptyline (Elavil®), Serum3 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)/Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Not established
Ammonia, PlasmaEDTA purple top (frozen Plasma)/ Room temperature: Unstable
Refrigerated: Unstable
Frozen -20° C: 72 hours
Frozen -70° C: 7 days
Androstenedione, Serum1 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)/Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 28 days
Frozen: 2 years
Antihistone Antibodies, Quantitative1 mL serum/Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Anti JO-1 Antibody1 mL serum/Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Antimyeloperoxidase (MPO) Antibodies *1 mL serum/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Antimyocardial Antibodies, W/Titer1 mL serum/Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 6 months
ANCA Vasculities1 mL serum/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA) W Rflx to1 mL serum/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) With Reflex1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Antipancreatic Islet Cells (IA-2 Antibody)1ml serum(Refrigerated)/Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 3 years
Antiparietal Cell W reflex to Titer1ml serum refrigerated/Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Antiscleroderma - 70 Antibodies (SCL-70)1ml serum/Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Antismooth Muscle Antibodies, w/rfx to titer1ml serum/Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Antistreptolysin O (ASO) Antibodies1 ml Serum free from hemolysis
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: loger than 14 days
Antithrombin III Activity1ml frozen ppp from Blue top/Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 30 days
Antithrombin III Antigen1ml frozen ppp from Blue top/Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 21 days
Apolipoprotein A-12ml fasting serum free from hemolysis
Frozen: 1 year
Apolipoprotein B2ml fasting serum free from hemolysis
Frozen: 1 year
Arsenic, Blood 2ml whole blood/royal blue/Room temperature: 10 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), SGOT1 mL serum/ plasma(EDTA)
Serum: Room temperature/Refrigerated: 1 day
Serum: Refrigerated: 4 weeks
Frozen: 1 year
Aspergillus AB, Immunodifusion: Includes:1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
( Aspergillus Flavus, Fumigatus, Niger)0.3 mL serum/Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Aspergillus Gallactomannia Antigen2ml serum refrigerated/Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen -70° C: 5 months
B Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)EDTA (whole blood) tube:Room temperature: 7hrs. Refrigerated: 24 hour Frozen: (freeze plasma if prolonged)
Babesia Microti Abs (IGG, IGM), IFA1ml serum(refrigerated)Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Bartonella, DNA PCR*, Qualitative, Real Time1EDTA or 1 ACD(yellow)Whole blood
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)1ml serum / SST / Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 28 days
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) with eGFR1ml serum / SST / Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 28 days
Beta Strep (Group B) Antigen1 ml serum or CSF / Transport Temp- Frozen / Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: 7 days
Beta HCG, Qualitative, (Serum Pregnancy)1 ml serum/ Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Beta HCG, Quantitative with Gestational table1 ml serum/ Room temperature: 8hrs
Refrigerated: 48 hrs
Frozen: 6 months days
Beta-2 Microglobulin, Serum1ml Serum / SST Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Beta-2 Microglobulin, Urine *1ML Random Urine Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 year
Bile Acids, Total *0.5 ml Serum - 8hrs fasting/plastic screw-cap vial/ Room temperature: Unacceptable Refrigerated: 7 days Frozen: Indefinitely
Bilirubin, Direct1 ml serum free from hemolysis, protect from light
Refrigerated: 72 hours*
Frozen: 90 days*
* If protected from light
Bilirubin, Total1 ml serum free from hemolysis, protect from light
Refrigerated: 72 hours*
Frozen: 90 days*
* If protected from light
Bismuth, Blood* EDTA Royal BlueRoom temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Bismuth, Urine*7ml urine(acid wash contain)Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 14 days
Blastomyces Antibodies, Immunodiffusion1ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Bleeding Time, TemplCall Lab for instruction
Blood Culture, RoutineAdults: 8-10 mL of blood in each of BD BACTEC® Plus Aerobic/F (silver label/gray cap) and Lytic/10 Anaerobic/F bottles (purple label and cap)

Neonates and Children 1 to 6 years: 1-3 mL of blood in a BACTEC Peds Plus®/F bottle / 48hrs Room Temp
Body Fluid Culture, Sterile, RoutineBody fluid/ 3 mL bronchial aspirates/washes, tracheal aspirates/ washes, newborn urine, sterile body fluids, tissue/lung biopsy or conjunctival swab in VCM medium (green-cap) tube or equivalent
[VCM medium (green-cap) tube or equivalent]
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen -20° C: Unacceptable
Frozen -70° C: 30 days
[Raw (unpreserved) specimens]
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Bordetella pertussis IGG and IGA (MAID)1 mL serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
BUN (Urea Nitrogen)1 mL serum/ Room temperature: 24hrs. Refrigerated: 3 days
Frozen: 90 days
C-Diff Toxin A&BRaw stool/Refrigerated: 24hrs
Frozen < -10oC: if longer than 72hrs
C-Peptide1ml frozen serumRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen -20° C: 7 days
Frozen -70° C: Not available
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)1ml serum fasting is recommended
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 14 days
Caffeine *1ml serum(RTT)/ROOM TEMPERATURE: 5 DAYS
REFRIGERATED: 7 DAYS
FROZEN: 30 DAYS
Calcitonin (Thyrocalcitonin), Serum *1ml serum/ fasting/refrig./Frozen/Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 28 days
Calcium, Ionized, SerumSST tube spin and keep it capped/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Not acceptable
Calcium, SerumSST tube- 1ml serum/Room temperature: 1 day
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 year
Calcium, Urine 24hr Urine w/out Creat.*10 ml 24hr urine/Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 35 days
Frozen: 6 months
Calcium, Urine, Random *2ml random urine/Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 35 days
Frozen: 6 months
Cancer Antigen (CA) 19-91ml serum/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Cancer Antigen (CA) 125, Serum1ml serum/ Room temperature: 10 days
Refrigerated: 12 days
Frozen: 28 days
Cancer Antigen (CA) 15-3 w/Rebaseline*1 mL serum/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days.
Cancer Antigen (CA) 27.291ml serum/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Carbamazepine (Tegretol®), Serum1ml serum ( plain red) or Plasma
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 90 days
Carbamazepine, Free, Serum*3ml serum(RTT)//Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 10 months
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)1ml serum/Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 30 days
Caboxyhemoglobin*1 EDTA tube/Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)1ml serum/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Cardiolipin IGA, IGG, IGM Antibodies1ml citrated Plasma or serum/Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Cardiolipin IGA AB1ml citrated Plasma or serum/Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Cardiolipin IGG AB1ml citrated Plasma or serum/Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Cardiolipin IGM AB1ml citrated Plasma or serum/Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Carisoprodol (Soma®, Soridol®), Serum*4ml serum (plain red top tube)/Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 1 year
Carnitine, LC/MS/MS1ml serum (Frozen)/Room temperature: 5 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 30 days
Carotene2ml serum( fasting/protect from light/ref)/Room temperature: 3 days
Refrigerated: 6 days
Frozen: 30 days
Cat Dander (e1) IGE0.5ml serum/Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Catecholamines, Fractionated, 24 hr Urine24hr Urine/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 49 days
Catecholamines, Fractionated, Plasma4ml plasma Na+ or lithium heparine/fasting/Room temperature: 6 hours
Refrigerated: 6 hours
Frozen: 30 days
Catecholamines, Fractionated, Random Urine10 ml random Urine/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 49 days
Vanillylmandelic Acid (VAMA), 24-Hr Urine*10ml of 24hr urine/Room temperature: 10 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 1 year
CD4, Lymphocyte Subset, Panel 45 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Room temperature: 72 hours
CD3, CD4,…Lyphocyte Subset Panel 2*5 mL whole blood collect in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Room temperature: 72 hours
CD4/CD8 Lymphocyte Subset Panel 5*5 mL whole blood collect in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Room temperature: 72 hours
Celiac Disease Panel5 mL serum/Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 21 days
Celiac Disease Comprehensive Profile (infant)with reflex5 mL serum/Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 21 days
Celiac Disease Panel without Gliadin5 mL serum - Room Temperature
Cell Count and Differential, CSF1 mL CSF
Stat testing recommended due to cellular degeneration and nature of specimen.
Cell Count and Differential, Peritoneal Fluid3 ml Peritoneal Fluid in EDTA or Green top tube/Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8° C): 48 hours
Cell Count and Differential, Pleural Fluid3 ml Pleural Fluid in EDTA or Green top rube/Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8° C): 48 hours
Cell Count and Differential, Synovial Fluid3 ml Synovial fluid in EDTA or Green top tube/Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8° C): 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Ceruloplasmin1ml serum / Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 60 days
Frozen: 90 days
Chlamydia/GC RNA , TMA *2mls Urine in APTIMA Transport medium / Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: Not established / or Cervical/Vaginal swabs in APTIMA transport /Room temperature: 60 days
Refrigerated: 60 days
Frozen: 1 year
Chlamydia trachomatis, DNA Probe, endo. or male UrethraGeneprobe swab
Chlamydia/GC, DNA, SDA, Urine or Swab2mls of Urine in APTIMA Transport medium / Room Temp: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: Not established / or Cervical/Vaginal swabs in APTIMA transport /Room temperature: 60 days
Refrigerated: 60 days
Frozen: 1 year
Chlamydia/GC by DNA Probe (Geneprobe) w/reflexgen probe
Chloride, Serum1ml serum or Plasma (heparinized)
Refrigerated: 7 days
Chloride, Random Urineurine/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Chloride, 24hr Urineurine/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Cholesterol, TotalSerum or heparinized free from hemolysis
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 90 days
Cholinesterase, Plasmapurple/Room temperature: 21 days
Refrigerated: 21 days
Frozen: 30 days
Cholinesterase, Plasma and RBCPurple/Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Cholinesterase, Serum1ml serum/Room temperature: 21 days
Refrigerated: 21 days
Frozen: 30 days
Chromogranin A2ml Serum / Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 35 days
Chromosome Analysis, Blood*5 mL whole blood collected in a sodium heparin (green-top) tube [alt. speciment] Whole blood collected in: Sodium heparin (royal blue-top) or sodium heparin lead-free (tan-top)
Room temperature [See Instructions]
Citric Acid (Citrate), Random Urineurine/Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 60 days
Clonazepam (Klonopin ), Serum 2 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)/Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 14 days
Clorazepate (Tranxene®), Serum***2 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)/Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 60 days
Cocaine Metabolite Screen , urine20mls Urine sample collected in a plastic(Polypropylene, Polycarbonate or Polyethelyne) container. Room Temperature: 7days, Frozen: 1 year
Coccidioides Antibodies, ID*1 mL serum/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Cold Agglutinin Titer, Quantitative3ml serum/allow to clot at 37"for 1hr/Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 28 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Complement C1 Esterase Inhibitor, Serum, Functional1ml serum/plain red /freez w/in 1 hr/Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 30 days
Complement C1 Esterase Inhibitor, Protein1ml serum / Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: 1 year
Complement Component C51ml serum/Room temperature: 2 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Complement C3, Serum*1ml serum/Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 90 days
Complement C4, Serum*1ml serum/Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 90 days
Complement, Total (CH50)*1ml serum/Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 30 days
Complete Blood Count (CBC) With Auto Diff. & Plateletpurple/Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours (may cause platelet clumping)
Frozen: Unacceptable
Complete Blood Count (CBC) W/ Diff,Plt, & Smear Reviewpurple/Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours (may cause platelet clumping)
Frozen: Unacceptable
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel w/eGFR1ml serum/Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 5 days
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel1ml serum/Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 5 days
Coombs, Direct1 purple/Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Copper, Serum2ml serum / no additive Royal Blue/Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: 30 days
Copper, Urine7ml from 24hr urine/ Room temperature; 5 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Corticosterone, LC/MS/MS1ml serum / collected in plain Red/Room temperature: 28 days
Refrigerated: 28 days
Frozen: 28 days
Cortisol, Serum1ml serum/Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hrs.
Frozen: 28 days
Cortisol, AM1ml serum/Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hrs.
Frozen: 28 days
Cortisol, PM1ml serum/Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hrs.
Frozen: 28 days
Cortisol, Free 24hr Urine2ml urine from 24hr urine/no preserv/Room Temperature: 48 Hrs
Refrigerated: 7 Days
Frozen: 5 Months
Coxsackie B(1-6) Virus AB, serum1ml serum / Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Quantitative1ml serum free from hemolysis
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: >14 days
Creatinine Clearance, 24-Hour Urine1ml serum and 2ml urine(24hr urine) / Room temperature: 2 days
Refrigerated: 6 days
Frozen: 1 year
Creatine Kinase (CPK), Total1ml serum / Room or Heparinized Plasma free from hemolysis Room Temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 8-12hrs
Frozen: 30 days
Creatine Kinase (CK), MB1ml serum / Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hrs.
Frozen: 28 days
Creatine Kinase (CK), MB and Total1ml serum / Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hrs
Frozen: 28 days
Creatine, serum2 mL frozen serum(plain red top tube)-Room Temp: 4hrs
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 90 days
Creatine, 24hr Urine3 mL urine from a 24-hour collection - no preservative/ Room temperature: 4 hours / Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 90 days
Creatinine, 24-Hour Urine10 mL urine aliquot from a well-mixed, 24-hour collection - no preservative/Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Creatinine, Random Urine1ml serum and 2ml urine(24hr urine) / Room temperature: 2 days
Refrigerated: 6 days
Frozen: 1 year
Creatinine, Serum1 ml serum/ Room temperature: 24 hrs
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 year
Cryofibrinogen, Qualitative5 mL fasting serum and 3 mL EDTA plasma - do not refrigerate
Room temperature: 14 days
Cryoglobulin, Qualitative5ml of fasting serum/Plain redRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: Unstable
Frozen: Unstable
Crytococcus Antigen, Latex Screen with reflex to titer2ml serum or 1ml CSFRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 60 days
Crystal Examination, Synovial Fluid3 mL synovial fluid in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or heparin (green-top) tube / Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8° C): 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Culture, Abcess/Wound (Aerobic)2 swabs abscess or deep wound, normally sterile body fluids. collected in Amies gel (blue-cap) or ESwab (white-cap) / Room Temp: 72 hours Refrig.: 72 hours Frz: Unacceptable
ESwab or swab in Amies
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours Frozen: Unacceptable
Culture, Anaerobic2 swabs abscess or deep wound, normally sterile body fluids. collected in Amies gel (blue-cap) or ESwab (white-cap) / Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours Frozen: Unacceptable
ESwab or swab in Amies
Room temperature: 48 hours Refrigerated: 48 hours Frozen: Unacceptable
Culture, BloodAdults: 8-10 mL of blood in each of BD BACTEC® Plus Aerobic/F (silver label/gray cap) and Lytic/10 Anaerobic/F bottles (purple label and cap)

Neonates and Children 1 to 6 years: 1-3 mL of blood in a BACTEC Peds Plus®/F bottle / 48hrs Room Temp
Culture, Bronchial washing (Lower Respiratory Culture)Bronchial Wash in steril cont
Culture, CSFCerebrospinal fluid in sterile leak-proof container or Port-A-Cul® gel vial /Sterile, plastic screw-cap tube or Port-A-Cul® gel vial/ Transport to the lab as soon as possible. Do not refrigerate.
Culture, Ear one transport swab/Transport swab: Room temperature: 2 days
Culture, Environmentalone transport swab/Transport swab: Room temperature: 2 days
Culture, Eye one transport swab/Transport swab: Room temperature: 2 days
Culture, Fluids3 mL body fluid, CSF, bronchial lavage/wash, tracheal aspirate, tissue biopsy, lung biopsy or newborn urine in sterile screw-cap container
Culture, Genital Sources1 transport Blue top swab / Vaginal, endocervical, urethral, prostatic secretions. Room Temprature, do not refrigerate
Culture, Miscellanous1 Transport swab/ Room Temprature only
Culture, Nasal/Throat ( upper Respiratory)1 transport swab / Nasopharyngeal (NP), nasal passages and paranasal sinus drainage / Room Temp 48hrs
Culture, Sputum/ Lower Respiratory3-5 ml Sputum or 5-10 ml brochial was in a sterile leak proof screw cap container / Refrigerated
Culture, Stool(Salmonella/Shigella/Campylobacter)1 gram or 1 mL stool in Cary-Blair transport stool culture transport medium / Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Culture, Urine 4 mL random, clean catch, midstream urine collection in gray-top urine transport tube/Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Culture, VibrioStool submitted in transport mediaStool or swab in Cary-Blair
RT: 4 days Refrigerated: 4 days Frozen: Unacceptable
Swab in Amies
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours Frozen: Unacceptable
Culture, Yersinia onlyStool submitted in transport mediaStool or swab in Cary-Blair
RM Temp: 4 days Refrigerated: 4 days Frozen: Unacceptable
Swab in Amies
Room temperature: 48 hours Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Cyanide, Blood10ml whole bld Na+ heparin or EDTARoom temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgG, Quantitative**1ml serum / Room Temperature
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Antibodies, IgM, Quantitative**1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
D-Dimer (Latex)**Citrated Plasma/blue top or Lithium Plasma - Stability: Refrigerated 4days, Frozen 6 months
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Unconjugated***1ml serum /fastingRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 2 years
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Sulfate*1ml serum / Room temperature: 4hrs.
Refrigerated: 48 hrs
Frozen: >48hrs
Diazepam (Valium®), Serum1ml serum / plain red/refrigeratedRoom temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 1 year
Differential, Manual / Smear Review/ WBC, TotalWhole blood from a full EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Room temperature: 48 hours
Digoxin (Lanoxin®), Serum1ml serum or heparinized/EDTA Plasma - Room Temperature: 8hrs Refrigerated: 7 days Frozen: 6 months
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), LC/MS/MS1 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel) RM Temp: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 2 years
Dilantin(Phenytoin), Serum1ml serum or heparinized/EDTA Plasma - Room Temperature: 8hrs Refrigerated: 7 days Frozen: 6 months
DNA(ds), Antibodies1ml serum / RT
Drugs of Abuse 5 Classes, Urine20mls Urine sample collected in a plastic(Polypropylene, Polycarbonate or Polyethelyne) container. Room Temperature: 7days, Frozen: 1 year
Drugs of Abuse 5 Classes + Alcohol20mls Urine sample collected in a plastic(Polypropylene, Polycarbonate or Polyethelyne) container. Room Temperature: 7days, Frozen: 1 year
Drugs of Abuse 7 Classes, Urine20mls Urine sample collected in a plastic(Polypropylene, Polycarbonate or Polyethelyne) container. Room Temperature: 7days, Frozen: 1 year
Drug of Abuse 7 Classes + Alcohol, Urine20mls Urine sample collected in a plastic(Polypropylene, Polycarbonate or Polyethelyne) container. Room Temperature: 7days, Frozen: 1 year
Drugs of Abuse 9 Classes, Urine20mls Urine sample collected in a plastic(Polypropylene, Polycarbonate or Polyethelyne) container. Room Temperature: 7days, Frozen: 1 year
Drugs of Abuse 9 Classes + Alcohol, Urine20mls Urine sample collected in a plastic(Polypropylene, Polycarbonate or Polyethelyne) container. Room Temperature: 7days, Frozen: 1 year
Drug Screen, Comprehensive, w/confirmation, Serum,Serum: 10 mL serum
Optional whole blood: Whole blood for volatiles analysis, only - sodium fluoride (gray-top) tube /Serum: Plastic screw-cap vial
Optional whole blood: Unopened gray-top tube
Entamoeba Histolytica Antibody, IGG1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Electrolyte Panel1ml serum/ Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 28 days
Eosinophil, Urine 8ml UrineRoom temperature: 3 days; preserved specimen
Refrigerated: 1 day; unpreserved pediatric specimen
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Nuclear AG AB**1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Viral Capsid Ag(VCA) IGG AB1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), Viral Capsid Ag(VCA) IGM ABred1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Erythropoietin (EPO), Serum1ml serum /collected before noonRoom temperature: 10 days
Refrigerated: 18 days
Frozen: 28 days
Escherichia Coli (E Coli) O157, Culture1 gram or 1 mL stool in Cary-Blair transport stool culture transport medium / Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Estradiol1ml serum Room temperature: 8 hrs.
Refrigerated: 48hrs Frozen: >48 hrs
*Do not add estradiol testing to a gel barrierl specimen older than 72 hours
Estrogens, Total1ml serumRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 28 days
Estrone, Serum1ml serum / no gel Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 2 years
Ethanol, Serum, BloodSerum or Plasma(FlourideOxalate) Stability: Refrigerated - 3days , Frozen: >3days
Ethanol, UrineRandom Urine Stability: Refrigerated - 3days , Frozen: >3days
Ethylene Glycol3ml whole blood / NA+ flouride/ GrayRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Factor V Activity and human Inhibitor2ml frozen Plasma/3.2% Na+ CitrateRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable Frozen -20° C: 14 days
Frozen -70° C: 1 year
Factor V (Leiden)*5ml whole blood/EDTARoom temperature: 8 days
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: 30 days
Factor VIII Activity, Clotting1ml frozen PPP /blue top tubeRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen -20° C: 14 days
Frozen -70° C: 1 year
Factor VIII Inhibitor Panel2ml frozen Plasma(X3)/blue top tubeRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 14 days
Factor VIII Antigen1ml frozen PPP /blue top tubeRoom temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen -20° C: 30 days
Frozen -70° C: 6 months
Factor X Activity, Clotting1 ml frfozen PPP / blue top tubeRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen -20° C: 14 days
Frozen -70° C: 1 year
Fecal Fat, qualitative2gms of freshly passed/frozen fecesRoom temperature: 1 hour
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 30 days
Fecal Leuckocyte STN*10gms stool / in Zn-PVA or Total-FixRoom temperature: 6 months
Refrigerated: Not recommended
Frozen: Unacceptable
Felbamate (Felbatol®), Serum**1ml serum / no gelRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 30 days
Ferritin, Serum 1ml serum or Plasma(EDTA or Lithium) Stability: Refrigerated 7days, frozen: 1year
Fetal Hemoglobin**1 full EDTA Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Fibrinogen QN1 full blue top or 1ml plasma/blue topWhole blood (3.2% sodium citrate)
Room temperature: 72 hours (non-heparinized)
Fibrinogen Degradation Products (FDP), Plasma1ml PPP /Blue top tube/FrozenRoom temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: 30 days
Flu Screen A & B, RapidNasal Wash/Aspirate: Collect nasal wash in standard containers. Washes could be held refrigerated for upto 24hrs. Nasopharengeal /nasal swabs: Use steril cotton, rayon, foam, polyester or floacked swabs. Elute swabs w/in 1 hr. Eluted swab samples can be held upto 24hrs.
Folate (Folic Acid), Serum2 mL serum free from hemolysis - protect from light
Rrefrigerated: hrs
Frozen: 6 months
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)1ml serumRoom temperature: 8 hrs
Refrigerated: 48 hrs.
Frozen: >48 hrs
FSH & LH1ml serumRoom temperature: 8 hrs
Refrigerated: 48 hrs.
Frozen: >48 hrs
Free Kappa Light Chain, serum2ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 21 days
Frozen: 90 days
Fructosamine1ml serum/SST/RTSerum
Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 60 days
FTA-ABS1ml serum/SST/RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Fungal Stain(Skin, Nail or Hair)Raw specimen/any sourceSources other than hair, skin or nails: Room temperature: 72 hours
Hair, skin or nail specimens: Room temperature: 2 weeks
Fungal Stain(other than Skin, Nail and hair)Raw specimen/any sourceSources other than hair, skin or nails: Room temperature: 72 hours
Hair, skin or nail specimens: Room temperature: 2 weeks
Fungal Culture, mIscellaneous sourceskin scrapings, Nails or hairRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: See instructions
Frozen: Unacceptable
Fungus Direct Exam, Skin, Hair, NailSkin, Hair, NailRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: See insructions
Frozen: Unacceptable
Gabapentin (Neurontin®), Serum1ml serum/No Gel/ draw sample 2hrs after last doseRoom temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 12 days
Frozen: 30 days
Glomerular Basement Membrane, (IGG)/GBM Antibody1ml serum RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT)1ml serum free from hemolysis
Refrigerated: 1 month
Frozen: 1 year
Gastrin, Serum***1ml frozen, 12hr fasting SerumROOM TEMPERATURE: UNACCEPTABLE
REFRIGERATED: UNACCEPTABLE
FROZEN: 28 DAYS
GC (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) Culture OnlyUrethral, cervical, anorectal, throat or conjunctiva. Collect specimen using a culture swab in Amies gel (blue-cap) or eSwab (white-cap) transport medium delivered within 24 hours of collection/ Deliver to the Microbiology lab as soon as possible.
Gentamicin (Garamycin®), Serum, Peak1 mL serum or plasma(EDTA, Heparin) refrigerated: 7 days Frozen: 6 months
Gentamicin (Garamicin) Level1 mL serum or plasma(EDTA, Heparin) refrigerated: 7 days Frozen: 6 months
Gentamicin (Garamycin®), Serum, Trough1 mL serum or plasma(EDTA, Heparin) refrigerated: 7 days Frozen: 6 months
Gestational Glucose Tolerance (140 Cut-off) 2 -1 mL plasma Spec.(fluoride/oxalate, gray-top) or Serum (SST) RM Temp: 4 days/Refrigerated: 7 day / Frozen: 28 days




Giardia lamblia AG Detection by EIA**10gms/in 10% formalin or T.fix vialPreserved
Room temperature: 60 days
Refrigerated: 60 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Gliadin IgA Antibody by EIA*1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Gliadin IgG Antibody by EIA*1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Glucagon, Plasma3ml frozen plasma/EDTA/fastingRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 28 days
Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G-6-PD),1 ml whole blood /EDTARoom temperature: 2 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Glucose, Plasma/Serum1ml serum or Plasma Stability: Room Temperature: 8 hrs. Refrigerated: 72hrs
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), Blood,5 Specimens (4hrs)1 mL serum for each timed specimen
Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 6 months
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), Blood,4 Specimens (3hrs)1 mL serum for each timed specimen
Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 6 months
Glucose, Body Fluidbody fluidRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Glucose Tolerance, 2 hours Postprandial1ml serum or Plasma Stability: Room Temperature: 8 hrs. Refrigerated: 72hrs
Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD)1ml serum / RefrigeratedRoom temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 6 months
Glycohemoglobin (GHB), A1C with MBG Estimation5 ml whole Blood collected in an EDTA (lavender) tube
Room Temperature: 7 DAYS
Refrigerated: 14 DAYS
Frozen: 6 months
Gram Stain3mls or 2gms body fluid , CSF, Lower Resp sepc., Urine, or fresh tissue collected in a sterile container; 1ml or 1 swab wound, excudates, aspirates, lesion materials or ocular spec. collected in Amies liquid or Gel Swab
Group A Streptococcus Screen, RapidCollect Throat spaimen using a swab in a red cap trasport tube with liquid Amies Transport Medium. Do not use swabs with Gel(blue cap) or Dry Swab. Stability: 48hrs
Growth Hormone (HGH), Serum1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 28 days
Haloperidol (Haldol®), Serum*1ml serum/no gel/Refr.Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Haptoglobin1ml serum/SST/RTRoom temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 90 days
Heavy Metals Panel with Cadmium, 24 hr. Urine10ml aliquot from Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 14 days
Helicobacter pylori IGM AB1ml serum /RT
Helicobacter pylori IGG AB1ml serum /RT
Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen2gms of stool / Refrigerate or frozenRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 30 days
Helicobacter pylori, IgG, IgA Antibodies2ml serum
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit, H&HWhole blood from a full EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours (may cause platelet clumping)
Frozen: Unstable
Hemoglobin (Hgb) A1c With MBG Estimation5 ml whole Blood collected in an EDTA (lavender) tube
Room Temperature: 7 DAYS
Refrigerated: 14 DAYS
Frozen: 6 months
Hemoglobinopathy Profile1 full EDTA tubeRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 6 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Heparin-Induced Platelet Antibody2ml frozen Serum(no gel)Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen -20° C: 28 days
Frozen -70° C: 6 months
Hepatic Function Panel (7)1 mL serum
Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Hepatitis A Antibody, Total2ml serumRoom temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Hepatitis A IGM Antibody2ml serumRoom temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Total2ml serumRoom temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, QL2ml serumRoom temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen w/confirmation2ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, QN2ml serumRoom temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Hepatitis Be Antibody**2ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: Indefinitely
Hepatitis Be Antigen**2ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: Indefinitely
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody2ml serumRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Hepatitis C Virus RNA by PCR*3ml refrigerated EDTARoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 42 days
Hepatitis C Viral RNA, Quantative Real Time PCR w/reflex5ml (X2)frozen plasma in 2 EDTA tubeRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 42 days
to Genotype LiPA2 mL plasma collected in a PPT potassium EDTA (white-top) tube or EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Room temperature: 72 hours refrigerated: 14 days
frozen: 42 days
Hepatitis C Viral RNA, Qualitative TMA3ml Frozen Plasma Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 42 days
Hepatitis Panel, Acute*2ml serumRoom temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
(HBsAG, HBcAB IGM, HAAB IGM, HCAB)
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)1&2, IGM AB Screen 1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) I, IGG type specific Herpesel.1 ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type I & II Herpeselect*2 ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 2 Herpeselect1 ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDLC)1 mL serum - separate from cell w/in 3hrs Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Histoplasma Antibodies, Quantitative, Immunodiffusion1ml serum(refrigerated)Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
HIV-1 Genotyping, PR and RT, DNA sequencing4ml plasma/EDTA or EDTA(white TOP)Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 6 days
Frozen: 90 days
HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative Real Time PCR* 3ml frozen plasma(EDTA) or PPTRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 6 days
Frozen: 42 days
HIV-1 RNA Qual PCR1 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Room temperature: 6 days
Refrigerated: 6 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
HIV1,2 AB w/Reflex3ml serum / SST
HLA A DNA Typing, Low Resolution10ml blood in ACD(yellow)or EDTARoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
HLA B DNA Typing, Low Resolution10ml blood in ACD(yellow)or EDTARoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
HLA B27 Antigen5 mL whole blood collected in sodium heparin (green-top) tube
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Homocystine Nutritional/Congenital1ml serum (SST) - Place Specimen on Ice (up to 6 hrs) prior to centrifugation. Serum is stable for two weeks if refrigerated and 8 months if frozen.
Homocystine, Cardio1ml serum /refreigerated for 30min prior to spinning/ Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 6 months
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Beta Subunit,1ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Beta Subunit,1ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Quantitative (Gest. Table),Serum1ml serum
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Urine Qual1 mL serum /Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
IA2 Antigens (Islet Cell)1ml serum / RefrigerateRoom temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 3 years
ID Organism by Typing SeraN/A
Imipramine3ml serum / plain redRoom temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 30 days
Immunofixation (IFE), Random Urine20 ml Urine / no preservativeRoom temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Immunofixation (IFE), Serum2ml serum / fastingRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 6 months
Immunoglobulin A (IgA), Quantitative, Serum1ml serum / SSTRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 90 days
Immunoglobulin D (IgD), Quantitative, Serum*1ml serumRoom temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Immunoglobulin E (IgE), Quantitative, Serum1ml serumRoom temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Serum1ml serumRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 90 days
Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Subclass Panel2ml serumRoom temperature: 3 days
Refrigerated: 21 days
Frozen: 6 months
Immunoglobulin M (IgM), Quantitative, Serum1ml serumRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 90 days
Influenza A H1N1(swine)Nasal washing/NP swab
Influenza A & B Rapid TestNasal washing/NP swab
Influenza A & B DFA, Nasal washing/NP swabVCM medium (green-cap) tube or equivalent
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen -20° C: Unacceptable
Frozen -70° C: 30 days
Insulin2ml serum / SST / Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hrs
Frozen: 28 days
Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I)1ml serum / refrigeratedRoom temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 28 days
Intrinsic Factor blocking AB1ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Iodine, serum or plasma*1ml serum /trace metal free dark blue tubeRoom temperature: 10 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Iron, Total1ml serum/ Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Iron & Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)1ml serum/ Serum and Plasma
Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
JO-1 Antibody1ml serumRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Kappa / Lambda light chains, Free w/ratio*2ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 21 days
Frozen: 90 days
Kappa Light Chain, Quant. Random Urine20ml urineRoom temperature: 12 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Not established
Kappa Light Chain, Free, serum2ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 21 days
Frozen: 90 days
Keppra Levetricetam1ml serum / plain red tube/ Room temperature: 14 days refrigerated: 28 days frozen: 60 days
Ketones, Urine3ml uirne
Ketone(Aceton), Serum1ml serum
KOH PrepSpec. in steril Container
Lacosamide*2ml serum / No GelRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Lactic Acid, Plasma*2ml frozen plasma from gray top tubeRoom temperature: 3 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 90 days
Lactic Dehydrogenase(LDH), Serum1ml serum/ Plasma(heparinized) - Keep at room temperature until analyzed
Frozen: Unacceptable
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD) Isoenzymes, Serum2ml serum RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Lambda Light Chain Free2ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 21 days
Frozen: 90 days
Lamotrigine (Lamictal®), Serum*1ml serum / plain red tube/collected 2 to 1 hr before next doseRoom temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 14 days
Lead, Blood (Adult)*1 full EDTA tubeRoom temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 60 days
Lead, Random Urine20ml urineRoom temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 14 days
Legionella pneumophila by DFA1 mL serum/ Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Legionella Antigen, EIA, Urine1 ml urine / RefrigerateRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Legionella DNA, Qualitative, Real-Time1ml bronchial lavage/wash or sputum Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Levetiracetam (Keppra©), Serum*1ml serum / Plain RedRoom temperature: 14 days refrigerated: 28 days frozen: 60 days

Reject Criteria
Lidocaine2ml serum / Plain RedRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Lipase, Serum1ml serum free from hemolysis
Refrigerated: several weeks
Frozen: indefintely
Lipid Panel With Risk Factors w / reflext to Direct LDL2 mL serum/ Room Temperature
Lipid Panel With Risk Factors1ml serum
Lithium (Eskalith®), Serum2ml serum / SSTRoom temperature: 10 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: Not established
Liver-Kidney Microsomal (LKM-1) AB (IGG)1ml serum / Refrigerate
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol(LDL), Direct1ml serum/ Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 15 days
Lupus Anticoagulant Evaluation3ml frozen Citrated / PPPRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 90 days
Lupus Anticoagulant, systemic Erythematosus (SLE) comp panel 3.5ml serum (X4) FrozenRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 30 days
Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Serum1ml serumRoom temperature: 8 hrs
Refrigerated: 48 hrs.
Frozen: 6 months
Lyme Disease AB with Reflex1ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Lyme Disease AB IgG, Immunoblot1ml serum RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Lyme Disease Antibodies IgG, IgM, Immunoblot* 1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Lymph subset Panel 25 mL whole blood collect in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube/ Room temperature: 72 hours
Lymph Subset Panel 45 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube / Room temperature: 72 hours
Lysozyme(Muramidase), Serum2ml frozen serm/centrifuge specimenRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 15 days
Frozen: 18 days
Magnesium, Serum1ml serum/ Serum and plasma
Refrigerated: 7 days
Magnesium, 24hr Urine with Creatinine10 ml urineRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 90 days
Magnesium, 24hr Urine without Creatinine10ml aliquot of 24hr urineRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 3 months
Manganese, Blood2ml serum(royal blue tube)Room temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 60 days
Manual Differential / Smear ReveiwWhole blood from a full EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Room temperature: 48 hours
Measles AB IGG, EIA*1ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Measles AB IGM, IF*1ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Measles AB IGG & IGM1ml serumRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Melanoma-associated Antigen ( TA90)1ml serum / plain red / let clot for 1 hr
Meprobamate, Quant, serum1ml serum / plain red tubeRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 90 days
Meprobamate, Quant, Urine20 ml random urineRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 90 days
Mercury, Blood7ml whole bld(royal blue)Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Mercury, UrineTwo 7ml urine(acid wash) or metal free
Metanephrines, Fractionated, 24hr urine*10 ml urine , 24hrRoom temperature: 7 days (acidified)
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: 30 days
Metanephrines , Fractionated, 24 hr Urine10ml urine aliquot of 24hr Room temperature: 7 days (acidified)
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: 30 days
Metanephrines, Random Urine10ml urine(PH<3.0) with 6N HCLRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: 30 days
Metanephrines, Fractionated, Free, LC/MSMS, Plasma2.5 ml Plasma / EDTA TubeRoom temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 14 days
Methotrexate (MTX), Serum2ml Frozen serum / Plain Red top TubeRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 5 days
Microalbumin, Random Urine Without Creatinine5 mL random urine - no preservative
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 Year
Microalbumin, 24-Hour Urine without Creatinine5 mL random urine - no preservative
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 Year
Microalbumin/Creatinine Ratio, Random Urine5 mL random urine - no preservative
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 Year
Microalbumin/Creatinine Ratio, 24hr Urine5 mL random urine - no preservative
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 Year
Mitochondria M2 Antibody, IGG1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Mononucleosis Test, Qualitative1 EDTA tube
MRSA, PCR**Nasal SwabRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Multiple Sclerosis Panel 14ml CSF & 2ml serumRoom temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 2 weeks
Multiple Sclerosis Panel 24ml CSF & 3ml serumRoom temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 2 weeks
Mumps Virus IGM AB1ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Mumps Virus IGG, EIA1ml serumRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Mumps Antibodies, IGG & IGM1ml serumRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Myasthenia Gravis Profile I2ml serum / refrigeratedRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Myasthenia Gravis Profile II2ml serum / refrigeratedRoom temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 1 year
Myasthenia Gravis Profile III2ml serum / refrigeratedRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Myocardial AB with reflex to Titer2ml serumRoom temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 6 months
Myoglobin, Quantitative, Serum1 ml Serum / Stability: Rm Temp: 7days, Ref. 14days, Frozen: 35days
Neisseria gonorrhoeae by RNA , TMA (Male/Female)*Urine in Aptima kit / Aptima Unisex swabLiquid cytology (Preservcyt®) preservative (ThinPrep®)
Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: Not established
Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Chlamydia, RNA, TMAUrine in Aptima kit / Aptima Unisex swabLiquid cytology (Preservcyt®) preservative (ThinPrep®)
Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: Not established
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC), CultureUrethral, cervical, anorectal, throat or conjunctiva. Collect specimen using a swab in Amies gel (blue-cap) or eSwab (white-cap) transport medium delivered within 24 hours of collection .
Transport swab: Room temperature: 24 hours
Nickel, Random Urine7ml Urine in an acid wash or metal free containerRoom temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Nickel, 24hr Urine7ml Urine in an acid wash or metal free containerRoom temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 30 days
Nicotine and cotinine, LC/MS/MS, Urine1ml Random UrineRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Nicotine and cotinine, LC/MS/MS, Serum or Plasma1ml Serum in plain red(no gel), or 2ml blood/ EDTASerum and plasma
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 21 days
Frozen: 30 days
Nortriptyline (Aventyl®), Serum2ml serum from red top(no gel)Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
N-Telopeptide Serum1ml Frozen Serum Frozen: Frozen: 60 days
Nucleotidase, 5'1 ml serum, FrozenRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 14 days
Occult Blood, Stool5 gram stool
Organism Identification, Anaerobic BacteriaRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Organism Identification, and Susceptibility Bacteria
Organism Identification, Yeast IDAgarose SlantRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Osmolality, Urine*2ml Urine - no preservativeRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: Indefinitely
Osmolality, Serum*1ml serum, RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Osteocalcin, Serum1ml serum FrozenRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen 21 days
Ova and Parasites Examination, Routine*10grams stoolStool
Room temperature: 6 months
Refrigerated: Not recommended
Frozen: Unacceptable
Oxalate, Quantitative, 24-Hour Urine with creatinine20ml urine aliquot of 24hrRoom temperature: 6 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 4 months
Oxcarbazepines*2ml serum, Plain Red (no Gel)Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 60 days
ParaInfluenza 1, 2, 3, DFA3-4ml nasopharyngeal aspirate / wash or swabV-C-M medium (green-cap) tube
Room temperature: Unacceptable Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen -20° C: Unacceptable
Frozen -70° C: 30 days
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), Intact2 mL serum fre from hemolysis or lipemia Room temperature: 4 hrs
Refrigerated: 8 hrs
Frozen: 6 months
Parathyroid Hormone(PTH), Intact with Calcium2 mL serum fre from hemolysis or lipemia Room temperature: 4 hrs
Refrigerated: 8 hrs
Frozen: 6 months
Partial Thromboplastin Time, Activated (aPTT)One full unopened 3.2% sodium citrate (light blue-top) tube
Separated platelet poor plasma
Room temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 4 hours
Frozen -20° C: 14 days
Parietal Cell AB with Titer2ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Parvovirus B19 IGM Antibodies*2ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Paternity Studiescall lab for instruction
Pentobarbital (Nembutal®), Serum*3ml serum / Plain Red top tube / RTRoom temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Not established
pH, Body Fluid1ml body fluidRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 6 months
pH, Stool1 gram StoolRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 6 months
pH, Urine10ml urineRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 6 months
Phenobarbital (Luminal®), Serum1ml serum - Stability: Refrigerated: 1 month Frozen: 3 months
Phenobarbital (Luminal®), Free4 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)/ Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 14 days
Phenytoin (Dilantin®), Free, Serum*1 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)
Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: 30 days
Phenytoin (Dilantin®), Serum1 mL serum
Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 1 month
Frozen: up to 3 months
Phospholipids, Serum*1ml serum(refrigerated)/spin w/in 1 hr of collectionRoom temperature: 6 days
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 60 days
Phosphorus, Serum1ml serum free from hemolysis - Stability: Room Temperature: 8 hrs refrigerated: 1 week
Phosphorus, 24 hr Urine with creatinine10ml aliquot of 24hr urine / collect urine with 6NHCLPreserved
Room temperature: 6 months
Refrigerated: 3 months
Frozen: 6 months
Phosphorus, Random Urine*10ml Random urine / adjust PH to <3 with 6N HCLPreserved
Room temperature: 6 months
Refrigerated: 6 months
Frozen: 6 months
Pinworm PreparationPinworm Paddle consisting of a clear plastic aptulaRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1(PAI-1)1 EDTA(lavender)or ACD(yellow) tube / RT Room temperature: 8 days
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Plasma Renin Activity3ml frozen EDTA PlasmaRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 28 days
Platelet Antibodies, Qualitative2ml serum frozenRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
-20° C: 28 days
-70° C: 6 months
Platelet Antibody, Direct flow Cytometry****7ml EDTA whole Bld(RT)Room temperature: 6 days
Platelet Count1EDTA(Lavender) TubeRoom temperature: 36 hours
Refrigerated: Not established
Frozen: Not established
Pneumococcal Antibodies (Srept. Pneumoniae IGG ab) 14 serotype2ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 90 days
Porphobilinogen (PBG), Quantitative, 24-Hour Urine*20 ml aliquot of 24hr / adjust the PH to 6-7Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days (pH: 6-7)
Frozen: 30 days (pH: 6-7)
Porphobilinogen (PBG), Quantitative, Random Urine10ml random urineRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Porphyrins Fractionated, Quantitative, 24hr Urine10ml urine from 24hr / collected in a 5gm NA+ carbonate containerRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Potassium, Serum1ml serum or Plasma(heparinized)
Refrigerated: 7 days
Potassium, Random Urine with creatinine10ml random urine / no preservativeRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Potassium, 24hr Urine10ml urine from 24hr coll / no preservativeRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Prealbumin1ml serum
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 2 months
Pregnancy Test, Serum (qual)See HCG
Pregnancy Test, UrineSee HCG
Primidone (Mysoline®), Serum ( includes phenobarbital)1ml Serum / RT / Red top tube (no gel)Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Procainamide (Pronestyl®), Serum***1ml Serum / RT / Red top tube (no gel)Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Progesterone1ml serum / Room temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hrs
Frozen: 28 days
Do not add on Progesterone testing to a barrier gel specimen older than 72 hours
Proinsulin1ml frozen serum / over night fastingSerum:
Room temperature: 1 day Refrigerated: 3 days Frozen: 6 months
Plasma: Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 5 days Frozen: 4 weeks
Prolactin, Serum1ml Serum / overnight fasting preferredRoom temperature: 8 hrs
Refrigerated: 48 hrs
Frozen: 28 days
Propoxyphene (Darvon®) Screen, Urine20mls Urine sample collected in a plastic(Polypropylene, Polycarbonate or Polyethelyne) container. Room Temperature: 7days, Frozen: 1 year
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Total, Serum1ml Serum
Refrigerated: 24 hrs
Frozen: 5 months
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free and Total 2ml Serum - Specimen Stability: Specimen should be refrigerated w/in 3 hrs
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 5 months
Protein C Activity1ml Plasma(lt. Blue), Frozen / PPPRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen -20° C: 14 days
Frozen -70° C: 1 year
Protein C Antigen1ml Citrated PPP(frozen)Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen -20° C: 14 days
Frozen -70° C: 1 year
Protein Electrophoresis, 24-Hour Urine(UPEP)*10ml urine from 24hr collRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 30 days
Protein Electrophoresis, Random Urine(UPEP)10 ml UrineRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 30 days
Protein Electrophoresis, Serum (SPEP)*1ml serumRoom temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Protein S Activity1ml Citrated PPP(frozen)Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen -20° C: 30 days
Frozen -70° C: 1 year
Protein, Total, Random Urine10 mL urine from a well-mixed random collection - no preservative
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 1 month
Protein, Total, Quantitative, 24-Hour Urine10 mL urine aliquot from a well-mixed, 24-hour collection - no preservative
Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 30 days
Protein, Total, Serum1ml serum/ Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 1 month
Prothrombin Antibodies, IgG and IgM1ml frozen Citrated PPPRoom temperature: 2 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 21 days
Prothrombin Time (PT) with INROne full unopened 3.2% sodium citrate (light blue-top) tube
Room temperature: 24 hours

Protoporphyrin, Zinc (Zinc Protoporphyrine / ZPP)2ml whole bld(EDTA tube) protect from lightRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Pyruvic Acid, Blood3ml EDTA whole blood mixed with 2 ml PerchloricRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 90 days
Q Fever (Coxiella burnetii) Antibodies (IgG, IGM) with Titers 1ml serum / RefrigeratedRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Quinidine, Serum1ml serum / plain red tube (no gel)Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Not established
Quest Assure D 25 Hydroxvitamin D (D2,D3)0.5 ml serumRoom temperature: 21 days
Refrigerated: 21 days
Frozen: 21 days
Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Test With Reflex to1ml SerumRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Test1ml Serum
Rapamycin-Sirolimus2ml EDTA whole bld(refr) / draw 1 hr prior to next dosageRoom temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Red Blood Cell (RBC) CountWhole blood full EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Room temperature: 2 days
Reducing Substance, Urine10 ml Urine / RefrigeratedRoom temperature: 72 hours preserved specimen
Refrigerated: 24 hours unpreserved pediatric specimen
Reducing Substance Fece10gram Fresh Stool / Frozen Room temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 60 days
Renal Function Panel2 mL serum
Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: 28 days
Renin (Plasma Renin Activity, LC,MS,MS)2ml frozen EDTA plasmaRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 28 days
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) AG by EIA3-4ml nasopharyngeal wash in VCM medium(green Cap or equivalent) tube or
Reticulin Antibodies, IGG with reflex to titer1ml SerumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reticulin Antibodies, IGA with reflex to titer1ml serumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reticulocyte Count5ml EDTA whole Bld.Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: Not established
Frozen: Not established
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Factor,( RF)1ml Serum/ Room temperature: 1 day
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: 90 days
Ribosomal P Antibody1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Rotovirus Antigen DetectStool Spec or Rectal swab collected Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen -20° C: Indefinitely
Frozen -70° C: Indefinitely
Rubella Antibodies, IgG (Rubella Immune Status)1ml SerumRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Rubella Antibody, IgM1ml SerumRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Rubeola Antibodies, IgGSEE Measles AB, IGGRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Rubeola Antibodies, IgMSEE Measles AB, IGMRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Salicylate, Serum*2ml Serum / no gel / collect just prior to next doseRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 7 days
Salmonella Total Antibodies, EIA1ml SerumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Scleroderma Antibodies(SCL-70)1ml SerumRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Sedimentation Rate, WestergrenWhole blood: Full EDTA (lavender-top) tube / Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Serotonin, Whole Blood*Call Lab for collection instructionsRoom temperature: Frozen only
Refrigerated: Frozen only
Frozen: 6 weeks
SGOT(AST)1ml Serum / Specimen Stability: Room Temperature: 1 day Refrigerated 4 weeks frozen 1 year
SGPT(ALT)1ml Serum or Plasma(EDTA) free from hemolysis/
Serum - Refrigerated: 3 days
Plasma - Room Temp or Refrigerated: 7 days
Shiga Toxins, EIA W/ Reflex to E Coli O157, Culture1 gram or 1 mL stool in Cary-Blair transport stool culture transport medium / Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Sickle Cell Screen*1 EDTA(lavender) Tube / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 30 days
-20° C: Not established
-70° C: Not established
Sjogren's Antibodies(Anti-SSA / Anti-SSB)1ml Serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
SM and SM/RNP Antibodies1ml Serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Smooth Muscle Antibody w/refl to Titer1ml Serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Sodium, Random Urine with creatinine10ml Urine / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Sodium, Serum1ml Serum/ Serum or plasma
Refrigerated: 7 days
Specific Gravity, Urine10 mL urine - Urinalysis transport tube (yellow-top, blue fill line, preservative tube)/ Room temperature: 72 hours preserved specimen
Refrigerated: 24 hours unpreserved pediatric specimen
St Louis Encephalitis Virus Antibodies, IgG, IGM1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Streptococcus Screen, RapidThroat Swab
Streptococcus Group B Culture (Group B strept)Obtain one/ two swabs using either a red cap, Amies liquid transport swab or blue cap, Amies gel swab of the vaginal introitus and the anorectum as recommended by CDC.
Room temperature: 48 hours Refrigerated: 48 hours Frozen: Unacceptable
Streptococcus Pneumoniae IGG AB (14 Serotype), MAID1 ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 90 days
stretococcus Pneumoniae IGG AB (7 Serotypes), MAID1 ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 90 days
Stool Culture, Comprehensive (salmonella and Shigella)SEE Culture, StoolStool or swab in Cary-Blair
Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Streptozyme Screen1ml SerumRoom temperature: 2 hours for CSF - not established for serum
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: 7 days
Striated AB Titer1ml SerumRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen -20° C: 30 days
Frozen -70° C: Indefinite
Stool Culture, Vibrio OnlyStool submitted in Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium/ Stool or swab in Cary-Blair
Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Swab in Amies
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Stool Culture, Yersinia OnlyStool collected in Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium/ Stool or swab in Cary-Blair
Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 4 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Swab in Amies
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Susceptibility Aerobic Organism
Susceptibility Anaerobic Organism
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)Serum or Plasma(Heparinized) Room Temperature: 8 hrs, Refrigerated: 7 days, Frozen: 28 days
T and B Cells, Total1 5ml whole blood EDTA / Room TemperatureRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
T Pallidium AB by MHA2ml Serum / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
T3 Uptake1ml Serum/ SST or Plasma/ Room temperature: 12 hrs
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
T4(Thyroxine), Total1ml Serum/ SST or Plasma/ Room temperature: 12 hrs
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Tay-Sachs Mut. Analysis5ml whole blood EDTA / RTRoom temperature: 8 days
Refrigerated: 8 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
TA90 (Melanoma-Associated Antigen)Immune Complex*1ml Serum(RTT)Refr. /Plain Red/ centrifuge w/in 1hr
Tegretol, Serum (Carbamazepine)See Carbamazepine
Testosterone, Free (Direct), Serum (With Total Testosterone1ml Serum or Plasma(Heparinized) Room Temperature: 8 hrs. Refrigerated: 48hrs.
Testosterone, Total, Serum1ml Serum or Plasma(Heparinized) Room Temperature: 8 hrs. Refrigerated: 48hrs.
Tetanus Antitoxoid1ml SerumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Theophylline, Serum1ml Serum
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 90 days
THC, Urine20mls Urine sample collected in a plastic(Polypropylene, Polycarbonate or Polyethelyne) container. Room Temperature: 7days, Frozen: 1 year
Thyroglobulin Panel (Thyroglobulin, Thyroglobulin Abs)2ml SerumRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Thyroglobulin, Antibody1ml Serum/Room temperature: 8 hrs
Refrigerated: 48 hrsdays
Frozen: 28 days
Thyroid Panel(T4, Total, T3uptake, Free thyroxin index)1ml Serum/ Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Thyroid Panel With TSH1ml Serum
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies1ml Serum/Room temperature: 8 hrs
Refrigerated: 48 hrsdays
Frozen: 28 days
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)1ml Serum/ Room temperature: 8 hrs.
Refrigerated: 48 hrs
Thyroxine (T4), Total1ml Serum/ SST or Plasma/ Room temperature: 12 hrs
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Thyroxine (T4) Free, Serum1ml Serum/Room temperature: 8 hrs
Refrigerated: 48 hrsdays
Frozen: 28 days
Thyroxine-Binding Inhibitory Immunoglobulin(TBII)1ml Serum RefrigeratedRoom temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Thyroxine-Binding Globulin (TBG), Serum**1ml Serum / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Tobramycin (Nebcin®), Serum, Peak1 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)/ Plastic screw-cap vial/ Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 7 days
Tobramycin (Nebcin®), Serum, Trough1 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)/ Plastic screw-cap vial
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 month
Topiramate (Topamax®), Serum1ml Serum / Plain Red / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Toxoplasma Antibodies, IgG1ml Serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Toxoplasma Antibodies, IgM1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Toxoplasma Antibodies, IGG, IGM1ml Serum/ Plastic screw-cap vial/ Room Temperature
Total Protein, SerumSee Protein, Total
Transferrin1ml Serum
Specimen Stability:
Frozen: 40 days
Trazodone (Desyrel®), Serum*1ml Serum / Plain red / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 60 days
Tricyclic Antidepressants Panel (3)3ml Serum / Plain Red / RTRoom temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: Not established
Triglycerides1ml Serum
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 90 days
Tri-iodothyronine (T3), Total1ml Serum or Plasma(heparinized)/ Room temperature: 8 hrs
Refrigerated: 48 hrs
Tri-iodothyronine (T3), Free, Serum1ml Serum/Room temperature: 8 hrs
Refrigerated: 48 hrsdays
Frozen: 28 days
Tri-iodothyronine(T3), Reverse1ml Serum / RTRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Troponin I1 mL serum/ Room temperature: 2 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hrs
Frozen: 6 months
Trypsin1ml Serum / Plain red / Refrigerated.Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Tryptophan2ml Frozen Plasma / NA+ Heparin or EDTA / overnight fastingRoom temperature: Unstable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
TSI(Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin)1ml Serum / RefrigeratedRoom temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 21 days
Frozen: 60 days
Tissue Transglutaminase(tTG)Antibody, IGA**1ml Serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Tissue Transglutaminase(tTG)Antibody, IGG**1ml Serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Typhus Fever (Rickettsia Antibodies), IGG & IGM w/ reflex to titer1ml Serum / RTRRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Tyrosine*2ml Plasma(Na Heparine) or EDTA / FrozenRoom temperature: Unstable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Urea Nitrogen w/o creatinine, 24-Hour Urine*10ml Urine from a 24hrRoom temperature (unpreserved): 24 hours (including collection time)
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 15 months
Urea Nitrogen(BUN), Serum1ml Serum/ Serum and plasma free from Plasma
Room temperature: 24 hrs
Refrigerated: 3 days
Frozen: 90 days
Uric Acid, Body Fluidbody fluidsRoom temperature: 10 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Uric Acid, Serum1ml Serum or heparinized Plasma
Refrigerated: 3-5 days
Frozen: 6 months
Urinalysis, Complete (With Microscopic Examination)10 mL urine - Urinalysis transport tube (yellow-top, blue fill line, preservative tube)/ Yellow-top, blue fill line urinalysis transport tube/ Room temperature: 72 hours preserved specimen
Refrigerated: 24 hours unpreserved pediatric specimen
Urinalysis, Complete with reflex to C&S12ml Urine and 1 Gray top tube
Urinalysis W / Reflex to Microscopic10 mL urine - Urinalysis transport tube (yellow-top, blue fill line, preservative tube)/ Yellow-top, blue fill line urinalysis transport tube/ Room temperature: 72 hours preserved specimen
Refrigerated: 24 hours unpreserved pediatric specimen
Valproic Acid (Depakene®), Serum1 mL serum or Plasma(Heparinized)
Specimen must transported at 2-8oC
Frozen: 1 Year
Vancomycin (Vancocin®), Serum, Peak1 mL serum or Plasma(heparinized)
Refrigerated: 3 days
Frozen: 30 days
Vancomycin (Vancocin®), Serum, Trough1 mL serum or Plasma(heparinized)
Refrigerated: 3 days
Frozen: 30 days
Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA), 24hr Urine w.creatinine10ml 24hr Urine(PH<3.0) / collected with 6N HClRoom temperature: 10 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 1 year
Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA), 24hr Urine without creatinine20ml urine / PH adjusted to <3.0 using 6N HClRoom temperature: 10 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 1 year
VAP Cholestrol Test5 ml serum / SST (10-12)hrs fasting for Trig.Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen -20° C: 14 days
Frozen -70° C: 1 year
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies, IgM1ml Serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies, IgG1ml Serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Antibodies, IgG and IGG1ml serum / RTRoom temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Venipuncture
Vitamin A(Retinol)*2ml serum wraped in foil / RefrigeratedRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 year
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Plasma*3ml Frozen Plasma(EDTA) / protect from lightRoom temperature: 8 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: 30 days
Vitamin B121 mL serum/ Room temperature: 8 hrs.
Rrefrigerated: 24 hrs
Frozen: 28 days
Vitamin B12 and FolatesSee B12 and Folate specimen type and handeling
Vitamin B6, Plasma*1ml Frozen Plasma(EDTA) / Protect from Light Room temperature: 6 hours
Refrigerated: 12 hours
Frozen -20°: 6 days
Frozen -70°: 42 days
Vitamin C, Serum2ml frozen serum / overnight fasting is preferredRoom temperature: 6 hours
Refrigerated: 12 hours
Frozen -20°: 6 days
Frozen -70°: 42 days
Vitamin D, 1,25 DihydroxySee 1,25 Dihydroxy Vit DRoom temperature: 28 days
Refrigerated: 28 days
Frozen: 28 days
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy0.8 mL serum/ Room temperature: 3 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 12 months
Vitamin E, Serum*2ml Serum / protect from light / refrigeratedRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 year
von Willebrand Factor (VWF) Antigen1ml frozen PPP Citrated Plasm / fasting preferreRoom temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 21 daysd
W
White Blood Cell (WBC) CountWhole blood from a full EDTA (lavender-top) tube/ Room temperature: 48 hours
White Blood Cells (WBC), Stool1gram Stool
West Nile Virus Antibodies (IGG, IGM), serum1 ml serum / Refrigerated Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Wet Prep and KOHVaginal Swab
Xylose(d-Xylose absorption), Fasting (B)4ml whole bld / collected in NA+ flourideRoom temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
ZAP-705ml EDTA whole BloodRoom temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: Unacceptable
Zinc, Plasma1ml Plasma Collected in Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: 30 days
Zinc, Random Urine7ml second void UrineRoom temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: 30 days
Amylase, Serum 1ml serum free from hemolysis
Refrigerated: several weeks
Frozen: indefintely