Specimen Collection Information

If the assay is performed within 5 days of sample collection, the samples may be kept at 2-8° C; otherwise, they should be dispensed in aliquots and stored deep-frozen (-20° C or below). Samples are stable for 4 weeks at -20° C.  Note time of day and position of patient (supine or upright).
Blood should be collected aseptically by venipuncture, allowed to clot, and the serum separated from the clot as soon as possible. Specimens may be stored in glass or plastic vials. No additives or preservatives are required to maintain integrity of the sample. Hemolyzed samples may indicate mistreatment of a specimen before receipt by the laboratory; hence the results should be interpreted with caution; samples with low levels of Aldosterone have been shown to be adversely affected by hemolysis and should be interpreted with caution. Icteric or grossly contaminated samples may give erroneous results.