Specimen Requirements

Preferred Collection Container: 

Light Green (Lithium Heparin Plasma Separator Tube)
SST (Serum Separator)

Also Acceptable Collection Container: 

Green No Gel (Lithium Heparin)
Red (No Additive)

Collection Information: 

Collect blood in a Light Green (Lithium Heparin Plasma Separator Tube) or SST (Serum Separator). Green No Gel (Lithium Heparin), Red (No Additive) also acceptable.

Transport Information: 

Centrifuge and aliquot 1.0 mL of serum or plasma into a plastic transport vial. Send refrigerated.

Minimum Sample Volume: 

0.5 mL of serum or plasma

Remarks: 

Trough levels should be drawn just before the next dose is given. Peak levels should be drawn 30 minutes after an I.V. administration or 60 minutes after an I.M. administration.