1. Allow the specimen to clot for 30 minutes, and then centrifuge to separate serum from the cellular fraction. Serum must be removed from cellular fraction within 4 hours of draw. Avoid hemolysis.
2. Remove the stopper. Carefully pour specimen into a Mayo metal-free, polypropylene vial, while avoiding transfer of the cellular components of blood. Do not insert a pipet into the serum to accomplish transfer, and do not ream the specimen with a wooden stick to assist with serum transfer.
3. See Metals Analysis-Collection and Transport in Special Instructions for complete instructions.
4. Submit sample in a 7-mL Mayo metal-free, screw-capped, polypropylene vial
Additional Information: High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine are known to interfere with most metals tests. If either gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.