Clinical Lab Handbook

Container/Tube: Serum gel tube

Specimen Volume: 5 mL of serum

Transport Temperature: Refrigerate

Collection Instructions: Whole blood samples should be centrifuged within 1 hour after collection or refrigerated for up to 8 hours prior to centrifugation.

• After blood is drawn, homocysteine is released from erythrocytes and the concentration will increase at a rate of approximately 1 µmol/L per hour at room temperature.

Stability

Two-Point Rate

Males: 6.6-14.8 µmol/L

Females: 4.7-12.6 µmol/L

Monday through Sunday

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