Plasma

Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL

Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.

3 mL whole blood in light green top or TWO Microtainer^® devices.

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)

        AGE          MALES/FEMALES
     0 - 3 days      0.6-3.0 ng/mL
4 days - 1 year      0.9-2.6 ng/mL
 1 year - 6 years     0.9-2.4 ng/mL
     7 - 11 years    0.9-2.3 ng/mL
    12 - 18 years    1.0-2.1 ng/mL
      Adults         0.8-2.0 ng/mL

Assay updated with increased tolerance to biotin on March 7, 2023.

The assay is unaffected by icterus (bilirubin less than 35 
mg/dL), hemolysis (Hb less than 2000 mg/dL), lipemia (triglycerides 
less than 1800 mg/dL) and biotin is less than 1200 ng/mL (criterion: 
recovery within plus or minus 10% of initial value).

No interference was observed from rheumatoid factor (up to 1500 U/mL) 
and samples from dialysis patients.

Twenty-six commonly used pharmaceuticals were tested in vitro. No 
interference with the assay was found.

Therapy with amiodarone can lead to abnormal thyroid hormone tests.

Phenytoin, phenylbutazone and salicylates cause release of T3 from the 
binding proteins, thus leading to a reduction in the total T3 hormone 
level at normal fT3 levels.

Auto-antibodies to thyroid hormones can interfere with the test.

Pathological concentrations of binding proteins (TBG, albumin) can 
lead to total T3 values outside the normal range being found despite a 
euthyroid metabolic state (e.g. in NTI-patients, pregnancy, use of 
oral contraceptives).  In such cases, determination of free T4 and/or 
free T3 may be indicated.

The risk of interference from potential immunological interactions 
between test components and rare sera has been minimized by the 
inclusion of additives.

For diagnostic purposes, the T3 findings should always be assessed in 
conjunction with the patient's medical history, clinical examination 
and other findings.

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay

Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection. Send specimen in original tube. Do Not transfer to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.

Refrigerate.
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).

Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.

See Additional Information:
Biotin Interference with Immunoassays