A number of tests in Biochemistry have special requirements around the collection and transportation of the sample. These instructions need to be followed to ensure the integrity of the sample.
| Test name | Specimen type | Special requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | EDTA (purple top) | Must be received on ice and within 30 minutes of collection |
| ACTH | EDTA (purple top) | Must be received on ice and within 30 minutes of collection |
| Calcitonin | Lithium heparin (dark green top) | Must be received on ice and within 30 minutes of collection |
| Faecal alpha-1-antitrypsin | – | Must be received within 2 hours of collection |
| Faecal/urine reducing substances | – | Must be received within 2 hours of collection |
| Gut hormones | EDTA (purple top) x 2 | Must be received on ice and within 30 minutes of collection |
| Metadrenalines (Plasma) | EDTA (purple top) | Must be received on ice and within 30 minutes of collection |
| Aldosterone/renin | EDTA (purple top) | Must be received within 30 minutes of collection |
| Homocysteine | EDTA (purple top) | Must be received within 30 minutes of collection |
| Urine porphobilinogen | – | Specimen must be protected from light after collection |
| Urine/blood/faecal porphyrins | – | Specimen must be protected from light after collection |
| Urine creatine and guanidinoacetate | – | Must be received within 2 hours of collection |
| Vitamin A | SST (yellow top) | Specimen must be protected from light after collection |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | EDTA (purple top) | Specimen must be protected from light after collection |
| Vitamin E | SST (yellow top) | Specimen must be protected from light after collection |
| Vitamin K | SST (yellow top) | Specimen must be protected from light after collection |