Specimen Requirements

For situations where chain-of-custody is required, a complete chain-of-custody protocol must be maintained when collecting and handling specimens.

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Random Urine Specimen

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL from a random urine collection.

Stability:  Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C and analyzed within 5 days of collection. Specimens should be in the pH range of 5 – 8. Specimens with a pH outside this range should be adjusted to this range by the addition of 1N HCl or 1N NaOH before analysis. 

Specimens should be at a temperature of 20 – 25°C before analysis.

Note: 1. A completed Chain-of-Custody Form is required when processing a chain-of-custody specimen.

           2. Presence of detergents or bleach in specimen may interfere with assay.