Specimen Collection

Question 1

What can be used for testing Thyroid Hormones?

Answer 1

Serum and Plasma
Serum preferred

Question 2

What are the preferred specimens for testing total calcium?

Answer 2

Serum and heparinized plasma

Question 3

What should NOT be used for measuring calcium?

Answer 3

Citrate, Oxalate, and EDTA anticoagulant

Question 4

How can we preserve a urine specimen for calcium measurement?

Answer 4

By adding Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Question 5

What specimen is used for Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)?

Answer 5

Serum or EDTA plasma

Question 6

What should we do if a Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) sample is delayed?

Answer 6

Freeze that mf

Question 7

What is the specimen used for Vitamin D testing?

Answer 7

Serum

Question 8

What temperature is Vitamin D stable and and what happens in a delay?

Answer 8

Stable at room temp and 4C
Frozen if delayed

Question 9

What specimens can be used for Steroid Hormone measurement?

Answer 9

Urine
Serum/Plasma (Preferred)
Saliva
Hair

Question 10

What does a Urine specimen need to have added to it for Adrenal Function?

Answer 10

Boric Acid

Question 11

What specimens can be used for Testosterone?

Answer 11

Serum or Heparinized Plasma
Avoid EDTA

Question 12

How long is Testosterone stable for and how long can it be stored?

Answer 12

1 week (Men)
3 days (Women)
1 year at -20C

Question 13

What is the best method to test Testosterone in women?

Answer 13

Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS)

Question 14

What specimens can we use for Estrogen?

Answer 14

Serum or Plasma
24 hours or 1 year

Question 15

What specimens can we use for Progesterone?

Answer 15

Serum or Plasma

Question 16

What is the preferred specimen for Gonadotropin measurement?

Answer 16

Serum
Avoid Hemolyzed, Lipemic, and Icteric

Question 17

What specimen can we use for hCG?

Answer 17

Serum
4C for 1 week