Processing Instructions

Patients should be relaxed in either a supine or upright position before blood is drawn. States of anxiety and stress can cause fluctuations in the catecholamine levels.  Patient should avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco and strenuous exercise prior to collection. Overnight fasting is required.

Draw specimen in a pre-chilled green sodium heparin vacutainer. After drawing specimen, place green sodium heparin tube in ice bath. Centrifuge for 20 minutes 1000 x G. The plasma must be free of red blood cells. Send 4.0 mL plasma frozen in 2 screw capped plastic vials. CRITICAL FROZEN.