Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
METT
Test Code (Numeric Code)
0928
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
The request form must state the time interval since the last dose.
Registration
URGENT - Hand deliver to 8100 operator at all times.
Separating
Can also be run on EDTA plasma.
Paediatric gel tubes fine for analysis if centrifuged within 2 hours (in house study).
Sample Stability
Separated sample: 14 days at 2-8°C
Synonyms
Plasma Methotrexate, Serum Methotrexate, Methotrexate level, MTX
Turnaround Time
3 hours
URGENT - Hand deliver to 8100 operator at all times.
Specimen Type
- Plasma
- Serum
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Acceptable
- Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
- Plain (Red Top)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
5
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
4
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Acceptable
- Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
- Plain (Red Top)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Additional Specimen Information
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer Heparin Blood (Preferred)
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer Plain Blood
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer PST Blood
Last updated: 26/08/2026