Additional Specimen Collection Information

1. Collect blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) or serum gel tube(s).
2. Allow the blood to clot, then centrifuge and remove serum (at least 1 mL) from the tube and transfer to a tube labeled with patient name or unique identifier, age or date of birth and the date of collection. UNLABELED SPECIMENS WILL NOT BE TESTED.
3. Keep the serum refrigerated, but DO NOT FREEZE, if not sending immediately.
4. Wrap the tube in absorbent material and place in a biohazard bag.
5. Roll the specimen in the bag and place in a SHL mailer with an “A”-code self-adhesive  wrapper provided.
6. Ship at ambient temperature.
7. Send with the completed Iowa Maternal Screen Test Request form.
   SHL-Maternal Screen Request Form
   • Fill out the form as completely as possible.
   • Missing information may delay screening results.
   • Incorrect information, especially incorrect dating will result in inaccurate risk management.
   • Be sure to include the clinician name and phone number and the sonographer's name.
8. The specimen must be received by SHL within 9 days of collection date.