Oncquest provides detailed specimen requirements for each assay in the Test Listing section. The quality of laboratory results depends greatly on the proper collection and handling of the specimen. If no temperature is specified, store and dispatch specimens at ambient temperature. Please note temperature ranges are as follows:

Carefully tighten cap of all specimen containers. Oncquest's plastic vials are designed to prevent leakage and therefore are recommended.

Draw blood in the color-coded vial appropriate for the preservative or anticoagulant specified in the "Specimen Requirements". After the vial has been filled, invert the vial 5-6 times to facilitate mixing. Clearly identify the specimen and the anticoagulant used in the vials and under "Specimen Source" on the Test Requisition Form. Store and transport at the temperature recommended under Specimen Requirements.

Use the specified anticoagulant vial and draw sufficient blood to provide the required plasma volume (usually 2 times the amount requested). Clearly identify the anticoagulant used on the vial and under "Specimen Source" on the Test Requisition Form. Store and transport at the temperature recommended under Specimen Requirements.

Draw enough blood in a red top vacuum vial to deliver sufficient serum volume (usually 2.5 times the amount requested). Clot at ambient temperature (unless otherwise specified in the individual specimen requirement) and separate serum by centrifugation within one hour of phlebotomy. Transfer the serum into plastic vial(s) for transport. Store and transport at the temperature recommended under Specimen Requirements.

Hemolyzed, icteric or lipemic specimens invalidate certain tests. If such specimens are received, Oncquest will call and request a new sample to assure that results are of clinical value.

Snap freeze a representative tissue fragment in liquid nitrogen (if available), or in a freezer (-20° C or colder), and place in a plastic container and pack on at least 3 kg of dry ice. Despatch specimen directly for delivery within 24 hours of specimen collection.

The supplies listed below are supplied by Oncquest on request by calling Client Services at: 1 901 441 441

Screw-cap, leak-proof vials for transfer of serum or plasma from Vacutainer blood collection vials or for cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid or urine specimens.