BD Vacutainer® PPT™ Plasma Preparation Tube

Procedure

1. The BD PPT™Tube should be at room temperature (18-25°C) and properly labeled for patient identification.
2. Collect blood into the BD PPT™Tube using your institution's recommended procedure for standard venipuncture technique and sample collection.
3. After collection of whole blood in the BD PPT™Tube, gently invert the BD PPT™Tube 8 - 10 times.
4. After mixing, store the BD PPT™Tube upright at room temperature until centrifugation. Blood samples should be centrifuged within two (2) hours of blood collection for best results. Centrifugation of a sample at a period greater than 2 hours may require validation by your institution or testing laboratory. Centrifuge BD PPT™Tube/blood sample at room temperature (18-25°C) for a minimum of 10 minutes at 1,100 RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force).
   WARNING: Excessive centrifuge speed (over 10,000 RCF) may cause tube breakage and exposure to blood and possible injury. To calculate the correct centrifuge speed for a given RCF, use the following calculator. Simply enter two of the three values in the calculator and press the Calculate button.
   

   Radius (cm):
   R.C.F. (gravities):
   Rotating Speed (rpm):

5. To obtain an undiluted plasma sample remove the BD Hemogard™ Closure (See Instructions for Removal of BD Hemogard™ Closure Section) and decant plasma into a separate vessel or aliquot plasma into a separate vessel using a transfer pipette. NOTE: When using a transfer pipette be sure NOT to disturb the barrier with the tip of the pipette.
6. Refer to the Kit or Assay Manufacture's Instructions for Sample Handling.