Centrifugation

When centrifugation is required follow these instructions:

  1. Draw 5 mL of blood for each 2 mL of serum or plasma needed. Collect in the appropriate collection tube.

  2. If serum is required, allow the specimen to clot for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 1 hour before centrifugation.

  3. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge for at least 15 minutes @ 3200-3500 RPM. For coagulation testing, refer to the NLL Directory of Services for more specific and stringent processing directions associated with coagulation sample requirements.

  4. Pipette the serum* or plasma into a plastic transport vial, taking care not to transfer red cells to the vial. Tighten the cap firmly to prevent leakage.

Note:  Serum drawn in a serum separator tube (Gold Top) does not need to be transferred to a plastic transport vial.