Test: Acid-fast bacillus culture (blood)
Abbreviation: AFB
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
8-10 mL whole blood in Bactec� myco F lytic aerobic bottle (or equivalent), Yellow-top SPS isolator tube or green-top tube. Special cleaning for site and tube stopper.
Department: Microbiology
Clinical Correlation: Isolates
Test: Acid phosphatase
Abbreviation: Acid p'tase
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top tube or serum gel-barrier tube.
Centrifuge, separate, and freeze serum immediately. Transport frozen.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Cancer of the prostate.
Test: Alanine aminotransferase
Abbreviation: ALT (SGPT)
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube.
Plasma: Green-top (heparin) or lavender top (EDTA) tube.
Centrifuge and separate within 45 min of collection.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Evaluates hepatic disease.
Test: Alcohol (blood)
Abbreviation: ETOH
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Gray sodium fluoride tube (preferred) or red top. Use non-alcohol antiseptic to clean site; do not open tube. Chain of custody required if for legal purposes.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Intoxication.
Test: Aldosterone
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube.
Plasma: Lavender-top (EDTA) tube.
Centrifuge, separate, and refrigerate serum. Patient up-right and ambulatory 30 minutes prior to collection (preferred). Note posture at time of co
Test: Alkaline phosphatase
Abbreviation: ALP
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum (preferred): Red-top tube or serum gel-barrier tube.
Plasma: Green-top tube.
Centrifuge and separate ASAP. 8 to 12 hour fast required.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Liver function.
Test: Alpha-fetoprotein
Abbreviation: AFP
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube. Avoid hemolysis; can be performed on amniotic fluid.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Fetal abnormalities, adult hepatic carcinoma, tumor marker.
Test: Aluminum
Abbreviation: AL
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum (preferred): Trace element-free plain royal blue-top tube.
Plasma: EDTA or heparin. Do not use gel-barrier tube.
Avoid all sources of external contamination.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Trace metal con
Test: Ammonia
Abbreviation: NH3
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plasma. Lavender-top tube. (Some methods use green, no gel.) Place immediately in ice slurry.
Centrifuge within 15 minutes without removal of stopper; separate plasma and freeze in plastic vial.
Department: Chemistry
Clinic
Test: Amylase
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube.
Plasma: Green or lavender top.
Centrifuge, separate, and refrigerate serum or plasma ASAP. Avoid hemolysis lipemia.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Acute pancreatitis.
Test: Antibody screen
Abbreviation: Coombs' test indirect
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Pink or lavender-top EDTA tube; special ID procedure.
Department: Immunohematology/blood bank
Clinical Correlation: Identifies any atypical antibodies present.
Test: Antinuclear antibodes (screen or titer)
Abbreviation: ANA
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top tube, refrigerate serum. Avoid hemolysis and lipemia.
Department: Serology/immunology.
Clinical Correlation: Systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune connective tissue diseases.
Test: AntiRh antibody preparation
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top tube.
Whole blood: Lavender or pink-top EDTA tube.
Special ID procedure.
Department: Immunohematology/blood bank
Clinical Correlation: Administered to RH-negative mothers to prevent RH immunization.
Test: Antistreptolysin O test
Abbreviation: ASO
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top tube.Perform test immediately or refrigerate or freeze serum.
Department: Serology/immunology.
Clinical Correlation: Streptococcal infection.
Test: Antithrobin III activity
Abbreviation: A III
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plasma: Light blue-top tube. Centrifuge,separate, and immediately freeze plasma in plastic vial. Transport frozen.
Department: Coagulation
Clinical Correlation: Clotting factor deficiency.
TEST: Aspartate aminotransferase
Abbreviation: AST, GOT, SGOT
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum (preferred): Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube.
Plasma: Heparin gel-barrier tube. Centrifuge for complete separation and refrigerate.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Acute and chronic liver disease.
Test: Basic metabolic panel
Abbreviation: BMP
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plasma (preferred): Green-top tube. Serum: Gel-barrier tube. Refrigerate unopened spun barrier tube. Separate within 45 minutes of venipuncture. 8 to 12 hors fast required.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: A desi
Test: Bilirubin, total and direct
Abbreviation: Bili
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum. Serum gell-barrier tube. Wrap in foil to protect from light. Spin and separate within 45 minutes. Refrigerate.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Increased with types of jaundice (ie, obstructive, hepatic, o
Test: Blood culture
Abbreviation: BC
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Inoculate two blood culture bottles or SPS tubes: one anaerobic and one aerobic from two different sites. Do not refrigerate.
Department: Microbiology
Clinical Correlation: Isolates and identifies potentially p
Test: Blood group & Rh type
Abbreviation: ABO & Rh
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Dedicated large lavender- or pink-top (EDTA) tube. Special ID procedure; hand label with special band.
Department: Immunohematology/blood bank
Clinical Correlation: Detection of ABO and Rh antigens on the red b
Test: Calcitonin
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Plain red-top tube; fasting specimen. Allow to clot 1-4 hours in an ice bath or refrigerator.
Centrifuge in chilled holder or refrigerated centrifuge, separate, and freeze immediately in plastic vial.
Department: Che
Test: Calcium, ionized
Abbreviation: iCa2.
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Serum gel-barrier tube.
Plasma: Green top tube, immediately place "do not open" tape over the top.
Centrifuge and refrigerate as is. Place a piece of tape over the top of tube and write "Do not open."
Department: Che
Test: Carbon monoxide (carboxy-hemoglobin)
Abbreviation:CO level
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender- or green-top tube. Fill tube to optimum fill level. Refrigerate immediately.
Submit original full unopened tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Carboxyhemoglobin intoxication.
Test: Cancer antigen
Abbreviation: Ca 125
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube.
Refrigerate; freeze if testing is delayed.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Tumor marker primarily for ovarian carcinoma.
Test: Carcinoembryonic antigen
Abbreviation: CEA
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube.
Plasma: Green gel-barrier tube.
Centrifuge, separate, and refrigerate.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Monitoring of patients with diagnosed malignancies; malignant or b
Test: Carotene, beta
Abbreviation: B-carotene
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube.
Transport in amber plastic tube with stopper if available. Wrap in aluminum foil to protect from light. Separate ASAP.
Freeze and protect from light.
Department: Chemistry.
Clinical
Test: Chlamydia antibodies
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube; refrigerate serum collected using aseptic technique. Centrifuge and separate serum from clot within 4 hours of collection.
Department: Serology/immunology.
Clinical Correlation: For
Test: Cholesterol and HDL ratio
Abbreviation: Chol HDL
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum (preferred): Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube.
Plasma: Sodium heparin green-top tube.
Separate ASAP and refrigerate serum.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Evaluates risk of coronary heart disease (CHD0.
Test: Chromium
Abbreviation: Cr level
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Royal blue-top tube; no additive. Room temperature.
Plasma: Royal blue-top EDTA tube.
Separate and refrigerate immediately.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Associated with diabetes and aspartame toxicity.
Test: Cold agglutinin titer
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube.
Must be kept warm, incubate at 37�C and allow it to clot at 37�C before separation. Store and ship at room temperature.
Department: Serology/immunology.
Clinical Correlation: To dia
Test: Complete blood count
Abbreviation: CBC
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender-top tube.
Invert gently 6-8 times immediately after drawing; includes WBC, RBC, Hgb, Hct, indices, platelets, and diff.
Department: Hematology
Clinical Correlation: Blood diseases.
Test: Copper
Abbreviation: Cu level
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Royal blue-top tube, no additive, metal-free.
Plasma: Royal blue- EDTA tube, metal-free. Separate and transfer to a plastic transport tube immediately.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Wilson's disease or
Test: Cord blood
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood-EDTA tube serum: Plain red-top tube.
Department: Immunohematology/blood bank
Clinical Correlation: Group and type infant's blood to detect the presence of incompatibilities or to test mother for possible Rh immu
Test: Cortisol, timed
Sample/Specimen Considerations
Serum: Serum gel-barrier tube; refrigerate serum. Clearly note time drawn.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Cushing's syndrome.
Test: Creatine kinase
Abbreviation: CK
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Serum gel-barrier tube; refrigerate serum.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Muscular dystrophy and trauma to skeletal muscle.
Test: Creatine kinase MB
Abbreviation: CK-MB
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Serum gel-barrier tube; refrigerate serum.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Organ differentiation and to rule out myocardial infarction.
Test: Creatinine
Abbreviation: Creat
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Serum gel-barrier tube.
Separate ASAP; refrigerate serum.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Kidney function.
Test: C-reactive protein
Abbreviation: CRP
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube.
Plasme: Green-top tube.
Refrigerate serum or plasma.
Department: Serology/immunology.
Clinical Correlation: Chronic inflammation.
Test: Cryoglobulin
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum and plasma: Red-top tube and lavender-top tube. Draw in pre-warmed tube and clot at 37�C. Separate from cells immediately
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Associated with immunologic diseases (e.g., multipl
Test: Cyclosporine
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender-top EDTA or green-top sodium heparin tube. Do not use gel-barrier tubes. Refrigerate. Note: Use same type of specimen each time analyte is measured.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Immunosu
Test: Culture
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Collect the appropriate fluid or tissue using culture swab transport media.Indicate location of culture on the requisition.
Department: Microbiology
Clinical Correlation: Identification of infective agent and appropriate an
Test: Cytomegalovirus antibody
Abbreviation: CMV
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum. Plain red-top or serum gel-barrier tube.
Centrifuge ASAP; refrigerate serum.
Department: Immunohematology/blood bank
Clinical Correlation: Screens donors and blood products for transplant programs.
Test: D-dimer
Abbreviation: D-D1
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plasma: Light blue-top tube. Test requires 1 mL frozen citrated plasma from a completely filled light blue tube. Separate and freeze plasma immediately in plastic vials. Transport frozen.
Department: Coagulation
Clinical Co
Test: Differential
Abbreviation: Diff
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender-top EDTA tube. Make blood smear and stain with Wright's stain.
Department: Hematology
Clinical Correlation: Classifying types of leukocytes, describing erythrocytes, and estimating platelets.
Test: Direct anti-globulin test
Abbreviation: DAT, Coombs test, direct
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender-or pink-top EDTA tube, Special ID procedure.
Department: Immunohematology/blood bank
Clinical Correlation: Detects antibodies attached to the patient's red blood cells.
Test: Disseminated intravascular coagulation panel
Abbreviation: DIC panel
vials; transport frozen
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Light blue-top tube, completely filled.
Centrifuge, separate, and freeze plasma immediately in plastic transfer tube.
Department: Coagulation
Clinical Correlation: Distortion of the normal coagulation and fibrinolytic mecha
Test: Drug Monitoring
Abbreviation: NA
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plain red-top tube; no gel barrier.
Centrifuge and separate within 1 hour and transfer to plastic transfer tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: See individual drugs below.
Test: Amikacin
Abbreviation: (Amikin)
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plain red-top tube; no gel barrier.
Centrifuge and separate within 1 hour and transfer to plastic transfer tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Broad-spectrum antibiotic.
Test: Barbiturates
Abbreviation: (Phenobarbital)
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plain red-top tube; no gel barrier.
Centrifuge and separate within 1 hour and transfer to plastic transfer tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Anticonvulsant for seizures.
Test: Carbamazepine
Abbreviation: (Tegretol)
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plain red-top tube; no gel barrier.
Centrifuge and separate within 1 hour and transfer to plastic transfer tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Mood-stabilizing drug in bipolar affective disorder.
Test: Digoxin
Abbreviation: (Lanoxin)
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plain red-top tube; no gel barrier.
Centrifuge and separate within 1 hour and transfer to plastic transfer tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Heart stimulant.
Test: Gentamicin
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plain red-top tube; no gel barrier.
Centrifuge and separate within 1 hour and transfer to plastic transfer tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Broad-spectrum antibiotic.
Test: Lithium
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plain red-top tube; no gel barrier.
Centrifuge and separate within 1 hour and transfer to plastic transfer tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Medication for manic depression.
Test: Phenytoin
Abbreviation: (Dilantin)
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plain red-top tube; no gel barrier.
Centrifuge and separate within 1 hour and transfer to plastic transfer tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Treatment of epilepsy.
Test: Salicylates
Abbreviation: (Aspirin)
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plain red-top tube; no gel barrier.
Centrifuge and separate within 1 hour and transfer to plastic transfer tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Evaluation of therapy.
Test: Theophylline
Abbreviation: (Aminophylline)
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plain red-top tube; no gel barrier.
Centrifuge and separate within 1 hour and transfer to plastic transfer tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Asthma medication.
Test: Tobramycin
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plain red-top tube; no gel barrier.
Centrifuge and separate within 1 hour and transfer to plastic transfer tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Broad-spectrum antibiotic.
Test: Valproic acid
Abbreviation: (Depakote)
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plain red-top tube; no gel barrier.
Centrifuge and separate within 1 hour and transfer to plastic transfer tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Seizures and symptomatic epilepsy.
Test: Vancomycin
Abbreviation: (Vancocin)
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plain red-top tube; no gel barrier.
Centrifuge and separate within 1 hour and transfer to plastic transfer tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Broad-spectrum antibiotic.
Test: Electrolytes
Abbreviation: Na, K, Cl, CO2, lytes
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plasma (preferred): Heparin gel barrier tube.
Serum: Red-top serum gel-barrier tube. Centrifuge within30 min after drawing. Do not remove stopper. Avoid hemolysis and lipemia.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Flu
Test: Eosinophil
Abbreviation: Eos
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender-top tube.
Invert gently 6-8 times immediately after drawing.
Department: Hematology
Clinical Correlation: Indication of degree of inflammation.
Test: Epstein-Barr virus panel
Abbreviation: EBV
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or gel-barrier tube.
Store serum at 2-8�C.
Department: Serology/immunology.
Clinical Correlation: Mononucleosis.
Test: Erythrocyte
sedimentation rate
Abbreviation: ESR
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender-top tube.
Invert gently 6-8 times immediately after drawing.
Department: Hematology
Clinical Correlation: Indication of degree of inflammation.
Test: Factor assays
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Light blue-top tube. Invert 3-4 times; centrifuge, separate, and freeze plasma immediately in plastic vials. 1-mL aliquot for each factor.
Department: Coagulation
Clinical Correlation: To detect coagulation factor deficienc
Test: Febrile agglutinin Panel
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-to[ or gel-barrier tube, random serum specimen. Avoid gross hemolysis lipemia
Department: Serology/immunology.
Clinical Correlation: Screens for Salmonella, Francisella tularensis, Rickettsia, and Brucella antibo
Test: Ferritin
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Plain red-top tube (preferred) or serum gel-barrier tube. Refrigerate serum.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Hemachromatosis, iron deficiency.
Test: Fibrinogen
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plasma: Completely filled light blue-top tube. Invert 3-4 times; centrifuge 15 minutes, separate, and freeze immediately. Place in plastic vial and transport frozen.
Department: Coagulation
Clinical Correlation: To investig
Test: Fibrin split
products/fibrin
degradation product
Abbreviation: FSP/FDP
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
plasma. 1light blue-top tube, completely filled. Invert 6 times; immediately centrifuge for 15 minutes, separate, and freeze immediately. Place in plastic vial and transport frozen.
Department: Coagulation
Clinical Correlat
Test: Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption
transpeptidase
Abbreviation: FTA-ABS
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Plain red top tube (preferred) or serum gel-barrier tube; refrigerate serum.
Department: Serology/immunology.
Clinical Correlation: Syphilis
Test: Gamma-glutamyl
transpeptidase
Abbreviation: GGT or GT
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: (preferred): Red top or serum gel-barrier tube. Refrigerate serum. Spin and separate.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Assists in the diagnosis of liver problems; specific for hepatobiliary problems.
Test: Gastrin
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum. Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube. Separate serum from cells within 1 hour collection; freeze serum. Overnight fasting is required.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Stomach disorders.
Test: Glucose, fasting
Abbreviation: FBS
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plasma: Gray-top sodium fluoride or heparin-gel tube.
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube. Separate from cells within 1 hur or use gray-top tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Diabetes, hypoglycemia.
Test: Glucose tolerance
Abbreviation: GTT
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plasma: Gray-top sodium fluoride tube. Multiple collections depending on length of test.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Diagnose carbohydrate metabolism disorders.
Test: Glycosalated hemoglobin
Abbreviation: Hgb A1c
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender-top tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Monitoring of diabetes mellitus.
Test: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
Abbreviation: G-6-PD
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Two lavender-top tubes.
Do Not Freeze
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Monitoring od diabetes mellitus.
Test: Gonorrhea screen
Abbreviation: GC
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Taken from the urethra in a male or the endocervical canal in a female.
Department: Microbiology
Clinical Correlation: Sexually transmitted disease.
Test: Hematocrit
Abbreviation: Hct
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender-top tube.
Invert gently 6-8 times immediately after drawing.
Department: Hematology
Clinical Correlation: Anemia.
Test: Hemoglobin
Abbreviation: Hgb
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender-top tube.
Invert gently 6-8 times immediately after drawing.
Department: Hematology
Clinical Correlation: Anemia.
Test: Hemoglobin A1c
(see glycosalated hemoglobin)
Abbreviation: Hgb A1c
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender-top tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Monitoring of diabetes mellitus.
Test: Hemoglobin
electrophoresis
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Refrigerate lavender-top tube.
Invert gently 6-8 times immediately after drawing.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Hemoglobinopathies and thalassemia.
Test: Hepatitis B surface antibody
Abbreviation: HBsAb
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Plain red-top (preferred) or serum gel-barrier tube; refrigerate serum.
Department: Serology/immunology.
Clinical Correlation: Determination of previous infection and immunity by hepatitis B.
Test: Hepatitis B antigen
Abbreviation: HBsAg
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Plain red-top (preferred) or serum gel-barrier tube; refrigerate serum.
Department: Serology/immunology.
Clinical Correlation: Diagnosis of acute or some chronic stages of infection and carrier status of hepatitis B.
Test: Homocysteine
Abbreviation: Hcy
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
EDTA plasma (preferred): Lavender-top tube.
Serum: Red-top tube or serum gel-barrier tube. Place on ice immediately. Centrifuge and separate within 1 hour of draw. Refrigerate specimen.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correl
Test: Human immuno-
deficiency virus antigen
Abbreviation: HIV-1
Sample/Specimen Considerations: Serum: Plain red-top or serum gel-barrier tube; refrigerate serum.
Do not ship in glass tubes. Use code number in place of patient's name to protect patient confidentiality.
Department: Serology/immunology.
Clinical Correla
Test: Human leukocyte
antigen-B 27
Abbreviation: HLA-B27
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Yellow-top (ACD) tubes; unopened tube required. Do not freeze or refrigerate; ethnic origin must be included.
Department: Immunohematology/blood bank
Clinical Correlation: Tested for disease association, platel
Test: Human chorionic gonadotropin
Abbreviation: HCG
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Serum gel-barrier tube.
Refrigerate serum.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Pregnancy, testicular cancer.
Test: Immunoglobulins
Abbreviation: IgA, IgG, and IgM
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Plain red-top (preferred) or serum gel-barrier tube. Refrigerate.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Measurement of proteins.
Capable of becoming antibodies, chronic liver disease, myeloma.
Test: Indices
Abbreviation: MCV, MCH, and MCHC
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender-top tube; invert gently 6-8 times immediately after drawing.
Department: Hematology
Clinical Correlation: Indicates mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and volume (MCV).
Test: Iron and total iron
binding capacity
Abbreviation: TIBC & Fe
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum (preferred): Serum gel-barrier tube. Separate from cells within 1 hour of collection; refrigerate serum Fasting morning specimen is preferred.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Assist in differential diagnos
Test: Lactic acid
(blood lactate)
Abbreviation: Lact
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plasma: Gray-top tube. Do not use a tourniquet. Draw blood from a stasis-free vein into a gray-top tube. Centrifuge and separate plasma within 15 minutes of collection.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Measuremen
Test: Lactate
dehydrogenase
Abbreviation: LD
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube. Avoid hemolysis-do not freeze or refrigerate.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Cardiac injury and other muscle damage.
Test: Lead
Abbreviation: Pb
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Royal-blue EDTA or tan-top lead-free tube. Use of other evacuated tubes or transfer tubes my produce falsely elevated results due to contamination.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation:Screens for lead to
Test: Lipase
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum (preferred): Red top or serum gel-barrier tube.
Plasma: Green top
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Used to distinguish between abdominal pain and that owing to acute pancreatitis.
Test: Lipoprotein
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Plain red-top or serum gel-barrier tube.
Plasma: Green-top gel-barrier tube.
Refrigerate.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Used to check for risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack.
Test: High-density
lipoprotein
Abbreviation: HDL
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube. Patient must be fasting a minimum of 12 hours.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Evaluates lipid disorders and coronary artery disease risk.
Test: Low-density
lipoprotein
Abbreviation: LDL
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube. Patient must be fasting a minimum of 12 hours.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Evaluates lipid disorders and coronary artery disease risk.
Test: Magnesium
Abbreviation: Mg
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Serum gel-barrier tube.
Plasma: Green-top gel-barrier tube. Separate from cells within 45 minutes. Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Department: Serology/immunology.
Clinical Correlation: Infectious mononucleosi
Test: Partial
thromboplastin
time (Activated PTT)
Abbreviation: PTT/APTT
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plasma: Light blue-top tube filled to stated tube volume. Invert 3-4 times immediately after drawing. Do not centrifuge of freeze if the sample will not be tested within 24 hours.
Department: Coagulation
Clinical Correlatio
Test: Phosphorus
Abbreviation: P, PO4
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum preferred: Serum gel-barrier tube. Separate from cells within 45 min. Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Thyroid function, bone disorders, and kidney disease.
Test: Plasminogen
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Light blue top.
Centrifuge, separate, and freeze plasma immediately in plastic vials. Transport frozen.
Department: Coagulation
Clinical Correlation: Prevention of fibrin clot formation.
Test:Platelet
aggregation
Abbreviation: Plt. agg
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: four 5-mL sodium citrate tubes and one 5-mL lavender - or pink-top EDTA tube. Invert 3-4 times. Do not centrifuge. Do not refrigerate. Notify the lab before collection. Specimen must be received within 1 hour o
Test: Platelet count
Abbreviation: Plt. ct.
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender-top tube. Invert gently 6-8 times immediately after drawing.
Department: Hematology
Clinical Correlation: Bleeding disorders.
Test: Prostate-specific
antigen, total and free
Abbreviation: PSA
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube. Plasma: Green-top gel-barrier tube. Separate and freeze serum or plasma immediately in a plastic vial.
Transport Frozen.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Screen for the p
Test: Prothrombin time
Abbreviation: PT
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Plasma: Light blue-top tube filled to stated tube volume. Invert 3-4 times immediately after drawing.
Do not centrifuge or freeze if the sample is to be transported.
Department: Coagulation
Clinical Correlation: Clotting fa
Test: Red cell count
Abbreviation: RBC
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender-top tube.
Invert gently 6-8 times immediately after drawing.
Department: Hematology
Clinical Correlation: Anemia.
Test: Reticulocyte count
Abbreviation: Retic
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Lavender-top tube.
Invert gently 6-8 times immediately after drawing.
Department: Hematology
Clinical Correlation: Anemia.
Test: Rheumatoid factor
Abbreviation: RF
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube; refrigerate serum. Overnight fasting is preferred.
Department: Serology/immunology.
Clinical Correlation: Arthritic conditions.
Test: Rapid plasmin reagin
Abbreviation: RPR
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Plain red-top or serum gel-barrier tube; refrigerate serum.
Hemolysis and lipemia may alter test results.
Department: Serology/immunology.
Clinical Correlation: Syphilis.
Test: Serum protein electrophoresis
Abbreviation: SPEP or PEP
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube; refrigerate serum.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Detection of abnormal protein.
Test: Sputum screen
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Sputum: True sputum, not saliva-
early-morning sample.
Department: Microbiology
Clinical Correlation: Tuberculosis.
Test: Streptococcus screen
Abbreviation: strep
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Submit culturette.
Department: Microbiology
Clinical Correlation: Strep throat.
Test: Sweat chloride or electrolytes
(iontophoresis)
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Sweat: Collect sweat specimen by iontophoresis.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Cystic fibrosis.
Test: Thyroid profile
(comprehensive)
Abbreviation: FTI, T3, T4, TSH
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Serum gel-barrier or red-top tube. If red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to plastic transport tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Hyper- or hypothyroid conditions.
Test: Triglycerides
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum (preferred): Red-top or serum gel-barrier tube; refrigerate serum. Strict fasting for 12-14 hrs is required (water only).
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Used to evaluate risk of coronary heart disease.
Test: Vitamin B12 and folate
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Serum gel-barrier tube.
Centrifuge, separate, and refrigerate.
Protect from light.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Macrocytic anemia.
Test: Urea nitrogen
Abbreviation: BUN
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Serum gel-barrier tube.
Centrifuge for complete separation and refrigerate.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Kidney function.
Test: Uric acid
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Serum gel-barrier or red-top tube; must be separated within 45 min. Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Gout.
Test: White cell count
Abbreviation: WBC
Sample/Specimen Considerations: Whole blood: Lavender-top tube. Invert gently 6-8 times immediately after drawing.
Department: Hematology
Test: Zinc (serum)
Abbreviation: Zn
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Serum: Nonadditive royal blue-top tube.
Separate serum within 45 minutes and trans fer to plastic transport tube.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Liver dysfunction.
Test: Zinc (RBC)
Abbreviation: ZNRBC
Sample/Specimen Considerations:
Whole blood: Royal blue-top EDTA tube. Refrigerate immediately; hemolysis unacceptable.
Department: Chemistry
Clinical Correlation: Screening test for lead poisoning and iron deficiency.