Serum and Plasma Collection & Sample Shipping and Handling Instructions
Please use the most current version of our Requisition Form to request drug concentrations. Complete one column of information for each drug to be assayed. Photocopies of the requisition can be made as needed.
In order for our lab director, Dr. Charles Peloquin, to provide the most comprehensive interpretation of your patient’s results, please fill out the requisition in its entirety with the most accurate information available.
Please note that all specimens sent to our laboratory must comply with the Federal and IATA shipping regulations.
Thank you for choosing The University of Florida.
Serum and Plasma Collection:
0.25 milliliters of serum (collect 0.5 ml of blood) are required per test per time point.
- Patients should come to clinic with their medications.
- Observe the patient taking the medication and record the exact date, time and dosage taken.
- Recommended draw times for each drug are listed on the Requisition Form.
- Using a plain green or plain red top vacuum tube, collect blood at the appropriate times. Avoid gel / serum separator / gold tubes.
- For many drugs, a 2-hour peak sample will be collected. You can consider a second blood draw 6 hours post dose to rule out late absorption, or to determine the serum half-life for certain drugs that have short half-lives, such Isoniazid and Rifampin.
- For most HIV and anti-fungal drugs, the preferred time of draw is a predose trough. Peak concentrations of anti-fungal drugs can also be considered.
- After the blood clots (red top only), centrifuge the samples, harvest the serum into labeled polypropylene (or polyethylene) tubes, and freeze (-70°C is preferable, if available). Use a different tube for each test and time of collection. Green top tubes can be centrifuged right away.
- Label the tubes with the patient’s name, date and time of collection, and the drug(s) to be assayed
Sample Shipping and Handling:
- Place samples in a zip-lock plastic bag and pack upright in a Styrofoam box (about 10 cubic inches in size) with at least 5 lbs. of dry ice.
- Please include the completed requisition form within the container.
- In order for the test to be performed the billing portion of the requisition must be completed. We are unable to bill third-party patient insurance plans.
- Ship samples via overnight delivery to arrive Monday through Friday. We do not accept deliveries on Saturday or Sunday. Shipping Monday-Wednesday is recommended. Please ensure the delivery courier chosen accepts dry ice packages.
Address the Package to:
IDPL Room P4-30 / Dr. Peloquin
University of Florida
1600 SW Archer RD.
Gainesville, FL 32610
If you have any questions, please call the Infectious Disease Pharmacokinetics Laboratory at (352) 273-6710.