This is usually accomplished at the referring physician's office or convenient outpatient lab. Each tube should be labeled with the date and patient name. Blood should be drawn into the purple-top tubes and the tubes inverted to mix. Handling and packaging of the sample Keep the sample at room temperature. Never freeze it.
Blood samples remain acceptable for testing for several days.
Place the tubes in a Styrofoam box or other container offering protection and tape shut. Place the container in a zip lock plastic bag along with any paperwork required by the lab. Package in a mailer or larger box and attach mailing label. Specifying morning delivery is often helpful to the laboratory. If the laboratory is local, sample pickup by a courier can usually be arranged.