Whole blood / plasma tests

Medical Diagnostic Laboratories (MDL), founded in 1997, is a reference lab at 2439 Kuser Road, Hamilton, NJ 08690. It holds CLIA 31D0938156 and CAP accreditation (AUID 111389), plus state licenses including NJ, NY, PA, FL, CA, MD and RI. [M1]

MDL focuses on molecular (PCR) testing for infectious agents, plus serology such as ELISA. Blood tests use whole blood or serum depending on the test. [M1][M2] Your provider orders the test.

1. 1

   Before the visit

   Prep

   • Fasting is not stated; confirm with the lab's current kit instructions.
2. 2

   The draw

   Draw

   • Whole blood: collect two yellow-top ACD solution A tubes. Fill each fully to keep the blood-to-anticoagulant ratio. [M2][M3]
   • Invert the yellow-tops gently 8 to 10 times. Do not shake. [M3]
   • Serum: collect one serum separator tube (SST). [M2]
   • Label every tube with at least two identifiers, such as name and date of birth. [M2][M3]
3. 3

   Right after collection

   Processing

   • Yellow-top ACD whole blood: do not centrifuge. Stable at room temperature. [M2][M3]
   • SST: clot at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then spin at 1000 to 1300 RCF for 10 minutes in a swinging bucket centrifuge, or 15 minutes in a fixed-angle centrifuge. [M2]
4. 4

   Get it to the lab

   Shipping

   • Whole blood ships at room temperature. [M3] Serum temperature, courier and days allowed: confirm with the lab's current kit instructions.