August
7
2022
**Update to Specimen Collection Requirements**
Effective August 7th, 2022, LifeLabs will be changing the collection tube from plain serum (Red Top) tube to the serum-separator tube (SST, gel-containing tube) for the following TDM assays: Carbamazepine, Digoxin, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Theophylline, and Valproic Acid.
An extensive study conducted by LifeLabs shows that both tube types provide equivalent results for these TDM assays. Change to the SST will provide ease of use, shorter clotting times (30 mins vs. 60 mins), and no need for aliquoting. Refer to the attached memo for more details.
Note that the Red Top tubes will continue to be acceptable for processing.
Effective August 7th, 2022, LifeLabs will be changing the collection tube from plain serum (Red Top) tube to the serum-separator tube (SST, gel-containing tube) for the following TDM assays: Carbamazepine, Digoxin, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Theophylline, and Valproic Acid.
An extensive study conducted by LifeLabs shows that both tube types provide equivalent results for these TDM assays. Change to the SST will provide ease of use, shorter clotting times (30 mins vs. 60 mins), and no need for aliquoting. Refer to the attached memo for more details.
Note that the Red Top tubes will continue to be acceptable for processing.
**Update to Specimen Collection Requirements**
Effective August 7th, 2022, LifeLabs will be changing the collection tube from plain serum (Red Top) tube to the serum-separator tube (SST, gel-containing tube) for the following TDM assays: Carbamazepine, Digoxin, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Theophylline, and Valproic Acid.
An extensive study conducted by LifeLabs shows that both tube types provide equivalent results for these TDM assays. Change to the SST will provide ease of use, shorter clotting times (30 mins vs. 60 mins), and no need for aliquoting. Refer to the attached memo for more details.
Note that the Red Top tubes will continue to be acceptable for processing.
