Specimen Requirements

Call Laboratory Medicine resident at digital pager 314-747-1320 for approval before obtaining the specimen.
 

Acceptable Specimens:

Blood: 3 plain, red-top tubes

Food, gastrointestinal contents, or stool: in a leakproof screw-capped, sterile container

Collection Procedure:

Blood
1. Draw blood in 3 plain, red-top tubes.
2. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

3. If transport is delayed, refrigerate specimen. Specimen cannot be frozen.

Note: 1. Specimen source is required.

2. Complete a Centers for Disease Patient History Form in Special Instructions and forward it with the specimen.

3. Serum is required for testing. (Plasma or whole blood is not acceptable.)

Food, Gastrointestinal Contents, Stool
1. Collect specimen in a leakproof screw-capped, sterile container
2. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

3. If transport is delayed, refrigerate specimen. Specimen cannot be frozen.
Note: 1. Specimen source is required.

2. A Centers for Disease Patient History Form must be completed and forwarded with the specimen.
3. Serum is required to be sent along with the specimen.