Blood Sample Preparation Instructions

• Only serum can be accepted for the ELF test.
  
  
• Blood should be collected in SST® Serum Separation Tubes.
  
  
• Serum must be separated from whole blood within six hours of bloodletting. Separate by centrifugation at 1500 x g for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  
  
• Whole blood may be stored within the range 2 to 25^oC prior to separation. Whole blood must not be frozen.
  
  
• Recommended minimum sample volume is 0.3ml.
  
• Transfer serum to a sterile polypropylene tube with screw cap capable of withstanding freezing. Label the tube with at least two unique patient identifiers:

Patient name (or initials)
Date of Birth
Patient Reference Number (NHS / laboratory number)

Blood Sample Transport Instructions

• Samples should be sent directly to iQur to ensure their viability. Should a delay in transport occur, samples may be stored at 2-8°C for up to 48 hours or at -70°C for longer term storage.
  
  
• Serum may be transported within the range from -70^oC to ambient temperature.
  
  
• Samples must be transported by Hays DX, Royal Mail or equivalent courier service in accordance with UK Transport Legislation 602 and/or 605/UN Packaging Instruction P650.

Postage Details

FOR THE ATTENTION OF: 

iQur Ltd
   MP 811, Level D South Block
   Southampton General Hospital
   Tremona Road
   Southampton
   UK
   SO16 6YD

HAYS DX SERVICES: 

iQur number: DX 6881710
   Exchange: Southampton 93 SO