GenPath
487 Edward H Ross Dr
Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
1 800 627 1479


© 2009 GenPath is a business unit of BioReference Laboratories, Inc.

Sample Preparation and Requirements

Draw and prepare Frozen Plasma (FP) Samples
Use 3.2% Citrate Tubes

  • Draw sample using 21 gauge needle.  Avoid using a butterfly needle, as it will cause cells to sheer.
  • Fill 3.2% Citrate tube as per manufacturers specifications- do not partial fill.  Cap tube.
  • Invert the 3.2% Citrate tube gently three times- do not shake.
  • Spin Citrate plasma tube at 4500 rpm for 15 minutes in a high speed centrifuge.  (1500-2100g)
  • Remove top from Citrate blood tube and pipette plasma into Aliquot Blue Cap (FP) Tube(s).  Do not put the pipette into the area between the cells and the plasma. Stay in the plasma zone.
  • Each aliquot tube (FP) can hold up to 2ml of plasma (which may require using 2 citrate blood tubes).
  • Label the aliquot blue cap tube with “FP” for Frozen Plasma and patient’s name.
  • Place aliquot tube(s) in the freezer, and freeze at least 1 hour.
  • Call for pick up.
  • Place labeled, frozen tubes into a biohazard bag and seal with a copy of the requisition.
  • Keep frozen until courier arrives with plenty of dry ice.
  • The dry ice shipper must be sealed tightly once samples are placed inside.

Draw and prepare Frozen Serum (FS) samples
Use Red Top Tubes only- Do not use Serum Separator Tubes (SST®).   

  • Draw sample using 21 gauge needle.  Avoid using a butterfly needle, as it will cause cells to sheer.
  • Allow sample to sit for 20 minutes before spinning.
  • Spin red top tube at 4500 rpm for 15 minutes.
  • Remove top from blood tube and pipette serum into Aliquot Red Cap (FS) Tube. Do not put the pipette into the area between the cells and the serum. Stay in the serum zone. 
  • Each aliquot tube (FS) can hold up to 2ml of serum (which may require 2 red top blood tubes).
  • Label the aliquot red cap tube with “FS” for Frozen Serum and patient’s name.
  • Place aliquot tube(s) in the freezer, and freeze at least 1 hour.
  • Call for pick up.
  • Place labeled, frozen tubes into a biohazard bag and seal with a copy of the requisition.
  • Keep frozen until courier arrives with plenty of dry ice.
  • The dry ice shipper must be sealed tightly once samples are placed inside.

Draw and prepare Lavender Top Tubes (EDTA) Whole Blood & ACD Yellow Top Tubes

  • Draw Sample using preferred needle
  • Invert sample 3 times gently, do not shake
  • Label tube with patient name
  • DO NOT freeze, DO NOT Centrifuge
  • Ship at room temperature with a copy of the requisition.  Ship SEPARATELY from frozen samples.


GenPath offers the following diagnostic testing services:

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