L033

Specimen Preparation: Draw blood in chilled lavender-top (EDTA) tube. Invert to mix with preservatives. Centrifuge and transfer the plasma to a labeled plastic transport tube . (Note: The whole blood sample may be kept refrigerated at 4°C for as long as two hours before centrifugation, if necessary). 

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated 

Patient Preparation : Patient should be fasting overnight (water and noncaffeinated soft drinks are permissible). The patient should be in a supine position for at least 15 minutes before and during sample collection. An indwelling venous catheter (normal saline to keep the line patent) is recommended, since the acute effects of the stress of venipuncture may increase metanephrine. It is preferable, but not essential, to draw the sample without a tourniquet. 

Causes for Rejection : Specimen not drawn in correct tube; heparinized plasma received 

Note: This test is approved for NY .