Look up IFCC Journal (1992) vol 4 (September issue) 147 - 152 by Boink et al. entitled "Recommendation on sampling, transport and storage for the determination of the concentration of ionized calcium in whole blood, plasma and serum". We receive our specimens in tubes with serum separator gels after centrifugation and they are stable for at least 24 hours. Mario D'Costa Ph.D. FCACB Director of Clinical Chemistry and Core Lab St. Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto Assistant Professor, University of Toronto Tel: 416-530-6263 Fax: 416-530-6559 Email: [log in to unmask] %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%