3 ML (1.5 ML MIN.) WHOLE BLOOD IN 1 BLUE TOP (SODIUM CITRATE) TUBE. MIX THOROUGHLY BY INVERSION. TRANSPORT TO THE LAB WITHIN 4 HOURS. IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, PREPARE PPP WITHIN 1 HOUR OF COLLECTION AS FOLLOWS: PREPARE PPP WITHIN 1 HOUR OF COLLECTION AS FOLLOWS: CENTRIFUGE SAMPLE AT 3600 RPM FOR 15 MIN. & TRANSFER SUPERNATANT TO A CLEAN PLASTIC TUBE. CENTRIFUGE THIS SUPERNATANT AGAIN AT 3600 RPM FOR 15 MINS. & FINALLY TRANSFER THE SUPERNATANT (PPP) TO 1 LABELLED, CLEAN PLASTIC SCREW CAPPED VIAL. FREEZE IMMEDIATELY. SHIP FROZEN. OVERNIGHT FASTING IS PREFERRED. DULY FILLED COAGULATION REQUISITION FORM & TEST SEND OUT CONSENT FORM IS MANDATORY. PATIENT SHOULD AVOID ANABOLIC STEROIDS, GEMFIBROZIL, HEPARIN THERAPY, ASPARAGINASE, ESTROGENS, GESTODENE AND ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES 3 DAYS PRIOR TO SPECIMEN COLLECTION.