Sample Collection

Preferences for Sample Collection, Serum or Plasma

 

Test	Serum (red top)	EDTA Plasma (purple top)	Comments
T4	Yes	Yes	Avoid Glass ?
T3	Yes	No	Lipemia Interferes
Cortisol	Yes	Yes, preferred	Ship cold (if serum)
Free T4	Yes	No
TSH	Yes	No
Insulin	Yes	No	No hemoysis Ship cold
Endogenous ACTH	No	Yes	Needs trasylol (aprotinin) No hemolysis Ship cold
Generally, avoid heparin

 

 

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