Specimen Type/Requirements

Preferred Specimen:  0.5 mL red blood cells collected in an EDTA trace metal-free (royal blue-top) tube

Alternative Specimen:  Red blood cells collected in: EDTA (lavender-top), or sodium heparin trace metal-free (royal blue-top), or sodium heparin lead-free (tan-top), or sodium or lithium heparin (green-top) tubes

Collection Instructions

Carefully clean skin prior to venipuncture. Avoid hemolysis. Avoid worksite collection.

Red blood cells Trace Metal: Use the royal blue-top trace metal evacuated tube with EDTA or Sodium Heparin, for RBC trace metal testing.

Packed Cells: Centrifuge to separate plasma from RBC's and discard plasma. Transfer RBC's to a plastic screw cap vial.

Specimen will be rejected if clotted or moderate hemolysis.