Plasma

Green top tube 4 mL (Na Heparin)

0.5 mL Na heparin plasma

Specimens not processed and frozen asap.

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

10 minutes (upon receipt in laboratory)

0.5 - 2.0 mmol/L (16 years and older)
0.5 - 2.2 mmol/L (less than 16 years old)

Critical Care Critical value: >5.0 mmol/L

Reference range for adults (18+ years old) changed October 11, 2016.

References: Singer M et al. The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA 2016;315 (8):801-810.

Enzymatic colorimetric

Draw sample and place on ice. Specimen should be spun and the plasma aliquoted and frozen as soon as possible after the draw.

Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells.
Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of collection.
Separate plasma into plastic container and cap (glass is not acceptable).
Specimen must be frozen immediately.

Freeze specimen immediately.

Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Place dry ice on top of specimen in Styrofoam container to maintain frozen temperature.