Collect: Lavender (EDTA) or plasma preparation tube (PPT).
Specimen Preparation: Separate PPT plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection. Separate EDTA plasma from cells within 6 hours of collection. Transfer 3 mL plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube and freeze immediately. (Min: 3 mL)
Storage/Transport Temperature:CRITICAL FROZEN. Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered.
Remarks: Patient's most recent viral load and viral load collection date are recommended.
Unacceptable Conditions: Thawed specimens.
Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen at -20°C: 2 weeks; Frozen at -70°C: Indefinitely
