Prior to sample collection, an 8-12 hour fast is recommended, but not required for the patient.
Timing, specimen options and instructions reflect the source snapshot.
FROM COLLECTION TO THE LAB
Specimen & handling
Specimen
Serum
Container
Serum Separator Tube (SST) – 0.5 ml serum
Required volume
Serum Separator Tube (SST) – 0.5 ml serum
Preparation
Prior to sample collection, an 8-12 hour fast is recommended, but not required for the patient.
Collection instructions
Serum Separator Tube (SST) – 0.5 ml serum
Processing
All human Serum Samples are considered to be potentially infective and are to be treated as such. Follow all precaution for handling biological material. Use all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Fasting serum samples, free from hemolysis, are the recommended specimens. Separate from red cells rapidly to minimize loss of glucose through glycolysis. Allow blood samples to clot (15 mins). Separate the serum from the cells by centrifuging for 10 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerated
Stability
Glucose in serum, free from hemolysis and bacterial contamination, and without added preservatives, is stable for 8 hours when stored at room temperature (18-25°C), or 72 hours when stored refrigerated at 2-8°C.
Rejection criteria
1. Any sample that is mislabeled 2. Any sample without a test request 3. Any broken or damaged tubes 4. Improperly spun or unspun
Technical information & codes+
Methodology
Quantitative Enzymatic
CPT code
82947
Codes are shown for identification from the source snapshot. Confirm current coding and billing information with the laboratory.
