NICU Drawing Information Quick Guide

All volumes for serum and plasma are approximate volumes and are determined by the patient’s clinical picture. Additional sample may be requested.

Plasma: Fluid portion of the blood that is recovered after centrifugation of non-clotted blood. Plasma is recovered from a green or lavender top tube.

Serum: Fluid portion of the blood that is recovered after centrifugation of clotted blood. Serum is recovered from a red or yellow top tube.

Whole Blood: Blood that has not clotted due to the aid of an anticoagulant. 

For more details about a specific test, please refer to the Lab Test Directory or call the Laboratory for assistance.

Reference the NICU Lab Reference Sheet Whole Blood Volumes (PDF)

Reference the Blue Microtainer Drawing Guide (PDF)

Reference Specimen Collection Containers (PDF)