Trace Elements Specimen and Shipping Instructions
Ordering:
Please carefully read the recommended specimen and shipping instructions before ordering a test. Incomplete and/or illegible requisitions and/or specimen labeling will result in testing being suspended until the complete information can be obtained.
Specimen Requirements:
Whole blood, erythrocytes, plasma, serum or urine can all be used for trace element measurement.
In some cases it may also be helpful to measure the trace elements in liver tissue. Selection of the appropriate specimens is necessary for maximizing clinical utility of trace element analysis.
Primary Blood Collection Tubes
For whole blood, erythrocytes and plasma analysis, BD 6 ml K2-EDTA Royal Blue Vacutainer (Reference # 368381) is the recommended collection tube.
For serum analysis, BD 6 ml Non Additive Royal Blue Vacutainer (Reference # 368380) is the recommended collection tube.
For Antimony analysis, BD 10 ml Na-heparin green top glass Vacutainer (Reference # 366480) is the recommended collection tube.
Secondary Storage Tube
Erythrocytes and plasma samples must be separated and transferred into a secondary tube within 30 minutes for pre-analytical storage and transportation. The best storage tube is the Sarstedt 8 ml polypropylene tube (Reference # 60.542.024).
Urine Sample Container
For collection of 24 hour urine, a brand new wide mouthed 4 L polypropylene or polyethylene container should be used. Containers do not need to be acid washed. For random urine collection, a brand new 100 ml container (orange cap) can be used.
Tissue Sample Collection
Samples for analysis may include paraffin blocks, fresh or frozen tissue in saline or formalin. Paraffin block is the recommended sample. Note: tissue will be destroyed during process, therefore it cannot be returned.
Specimen Volume Requirements:
| Matrix Type | Minimum Requirement | Preferred Amount |
| Plasma | 1.0 ml | 3.0 ml |
| Serum | 1.0 ml | 3.0 ml |
| Erythrocyte | 1.0 ml | 3.0 ml |
| Whole Blood | 1.0 ml | 6.0 ml |
| Urine | 5.0 ml | 10.0 ml |
| Tissue | 0.0003 g | 0.001 g (or more) |
Shipping Instruction:
Lab Hours: 0700 to 1600 Monday to Friday.
Sample Handling: Blood and urine samples should be shipped at room temperature if using one-day courier service. If longer than 1 day shipping use ice packs or dry ice to keep at 2 to 8 °C. Frozen specimens are also acceptable. Paraffin blocks can be shipped at room temperature.
Mailing Address:
Sample Receiving Area
Victoria Hospital, Room D1-206
London Health Sciences Centre
800 Commissioners Rd E.
London, Ontario, Canada
N6A 5W9