Blood Mineral Analysis (BMA) 

Blood Mineral Analysis (BMA) is recommended when acute and immediate toxic exposure or acute malnutrition is suspected. It is an excellent measure of a patient's response during severe illness or while undergoing chemotherapy. Testing before and after treatment allows to optimally support the patient biochemically.

Whole Blood Sampling Procedure
Materials needed: Whole Blood Specimen Kit. Call TMI to request our prepaid shipping kits.

1) Use sodium heparin (green top) vacutainer with 5-10 ml drawing capacity.
2) Place name and date on tube.
3) After drawing blood by venipuncture, invert several times to mix and prevent coagulation.
4) Write date, patient name, sex and age on tube label.
5) Place sample tube in Styrofoam container and box.
6) Place the box in the zip-lock portion of the biohazard bag and the Patient Information Sheet in the outer portion of the biohazard bag.
7) Send to TMI via second day air.

Red Blood Cell (RBC) Sampling Procedure

(To assure sample conformity and result reliability, we prefer to receive whole blood and will prepare RBCs in-house at no extra charge.
Materials needed and procedure: see above.

Plasma Sampling Procedure
Materials needed: Plasma Sampling Kit. Call TMI to request our prepaid shipping kits.

Serum Sampling Procedure
Materials needed: Serum Sampling Kit. Call TMI to request our prepaid shipping kits.
Red-topped (clot) vacutainers, 3-5 ml capacity.
Centrifuge capable of at least 5000 rpm.

1) Place date and patient information on tube.
2) Draw 3-5 ml of blood.
3) Allow adequate time for the blood to coagulate.
4) Centrifuge.
5) Transfer Serum to another clean tube, taking care not to withdraw any red blood cells. Minimum volume needed is 2 ml.
6) Write date, patient name, sex and age on label.
7) Send to TMI with the appropriate information.