Cytokine panels

Eve Technologies (Eve Diagnostics) runs multiplex cytokine testing at its lab in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. [E1]

Multiplex cytokine and chemokine panels. Your requisition lists the panel ordered. [E1] Eve notes that some markers, such as platelet derived factors, read higher in serum than in plasma, so samples should be collected consistently. [E2]

1. 1

   Before the visit

   Prep

   • Fasting and medication rules are not published. Follow the instructions in your kit.
2. 2

   The draw

   Draw

   • Collect blood in a purple EDTA tube (plasma) or a gold SST or red tube (serum). Do not use heparin tubes. [E1]
   • Order of draw is not published. Follow the instructions in your kit.
3. 3

   Right after collection

   Processing

   • Plasma: centrifuge within 30 minutes of collection at 1000 x g for 10 minutes at 4 C. [E1]
   • Serum: let it clot 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature, then spin at 1000 x g for 10 minutes at 4 C. [E2]
   • Right away, transfer 0.3 to 1 mL of cell-free plasma or serum, drawn from the middle of the layer, into a small polypropylene tube. Never use glass. [E1][E2]
   • Freeze at -20 C or colder. For storage longer than about a month, use -70 C or colder. Avoid more than 2 freeze and thaw cycles. [E1][E2]
   • Label tube tops with a permanent marker using a one letter prefix and number (for example S1, S2). [E3]
4. 4

   Get it to the lab

   Shipping

   • Pack the frozen samples in a Styrofoam box with 6 to 7 kg (12 to 15 lb) of dry ice for US shipments. Don't tape the lid. [E4]
   • Put the Styrofoam box in a cardboard box, with the packing slip and sample list on top of the lid. [E4]
   • Ship overnight on Monday or Tuesday. Never on weekends or holidays. [E1][E4]
   • Send with the requisition to Eve Technologies, 3415 A 3rd Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 0M4. [E1]