Test Code CALCIUM Calcium, Total, Plasma or Serum
Performing Laboratory
NRL-Chemistry
Methodology
Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE)
Note: This test is also available as part of #BMP Basic Metabolic Panel, #COMP Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, and #RENAL Renal Function Panel. See Common Panel Test Combinations in Special Instructions to avoid duplicate test requests when multiple panels are ordered.
Specimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Plasma
Container/Tube: Light-green top (lithium heparin)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Spin down unopened (vacuum intact) tube within 45 minutes of draw.
2. Avoid hemolysis.
3. Label specimen as plasma.
Alternate (Non-Hospital Patient):
Specimen Type: Serum
Container/Tube: Gold top, serum gel
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Spin down unopened (vacuum intact) tube within 45 minutes of draw.
2. Avoid hemolysis.
3. Label specimen as serum.
Reference Values
8.4-10.5 mg/dl
Alert values (automatic call-back): ≤6.5 mg/dL
or ≥12.0 mg/dL
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerate
Test Classification and CPT Coding
82310