High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine are known to interfere with most metal tests. If either gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.

Serum

1. Prepare the patient for phlebotomy following your normal protocol, using alcohol to disinfect the collection site. Do not use iodinecontaining products. 

2. Draw blood in a BD Royal Blue with Clot Activator Vacutainer tube (T184 Metal Free BD Tube [No Additive], 6 mL). 

3. Allow the specimen to clot for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours.

4. Centrifuge the specimen to separate serum from cellular fraction. 

5. Attach a specimen identification label to a Mayo Metal-Free Specimen Vial (T173). 

6. Remove the collection tube stopper. Carefully pour the serum into the vial, avoiding transfer of the cellular components of blood. • Do not insert a pipette into the serum to accomplish transfer. • Do not ream the specimen with a wooden stick to assist with serum transfer. • Blood from a dialysis patient on heparin may produce an uncoagulated serum that forms a fibrin clot after centrifugation. Pour off serum as soon as possible, and repeat centrifugation step if more serum is needed. 

7. Place the cap on the vial tightly and send the specimen to the laboratory at the temperature indicated in the test’s transport instructions.

Frozen - 7 days
Refrigerated - 7 days
Room temperature - 7 days

82108 - Aluminum (EAP 30021061)