Test Code LAB5558 Calcium, Ionized, Plasma

Important Note

For NRL (CH LAB)

Draw Gold or Mint tube, centrifuge, DO NOT OPEN OR SHARE. Specimen is stable Ambient for 24 hours. When received in NRL, send specimen to BJH on next CP run, do NOT hold in NRL refrigerator.

Methodology

Direct Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE)

Literature Reference:

Reference manual: ABL 800 FLEX Series. Radiometer America, Bronshoj Denmark, 2009.

Performing Laboratory

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory

Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation:Fasting specimen is preferred but not required.

Hospital Patient:

Specimen Type: Plasma
Container/Tube: Mint-green top (lithium heparin)
Specimen Volume: Full tube

Collection Instructions:

1. Tube must be full to prevent change in pH.
2. Avoid prolonged venous stasis when drawing blood.
Additional Information: Forward promptly at ambient temperature. Specimen must be received in the laboratory within 2 hours of draw.

Non Hospital Patient:
Call Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory Customer Service at 314-362-1470 prior to collection to schedule a STAT pick-up.

Specimen Type: Plasma
Container/Tube: Mint-green top (lithium heparin)
Specimen Volume: Full tube

Collection Instructions:

1. Tube must be full to prevent change in pH.

2. Avoid prolonged venous stasis when drawing blood.
Additional Information:

1. For uncentrifuged specimen, forward at ambient temperature. Specimen must be received in the laboratory within 2 hours of draw.
2. For centrifuged specimen on gel, forward at ambient temperature. Specimen must be received in the laboratory within 24 hours of draw.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient <2 hours

Reference Values

0 minutes -1 day: 4.50-5.75 mg/dL

> 1 day - 4 days: 4.15-5.40 mg/dL

> 4 days - 180 days: 4.85-5.80 mg/dL

> 180 days - 30 months: 4.60-5.50 mg/dL

> 30 months - 18 years: 4.45-5.25 mg/dL
> 18 years: 4.50-5.10 mg/dL

Critical result (automatic call-back): ≤3.2 mg/dL or ≥7.0 mg/dL

Literature Reference:

Ladenson JH, et al. Relationship of free and total calcium in hypercalcemic conditions. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1979;48:393-97.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday
Turnaround Time:
STAT: 1 hour after receipt in laboratory
Routine: not available

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82330

Additional Information

For BJH Laboratory Use Only
Alternate Tube:

1 dark green-top (lithium heparin) tube
1 red-top tube

1 red/grey SST tube

1 gold-top tube

1 orange-top tube

Analyte Stability:

See Analyte Stability Chart under General Information for a complete list.

Once opened the specimen is no longer suitable for add on.

Laboratory Processing Instructions:
Test performed in BJH Core Lab. Centrifuge green-top tubes immediately and deliver to the blood gas workstation.

Allow red-top tube to sit for 30 minutes before centrifugation. Centrifuge tube and deliver to the blood gas workstation immediately.

Special Instructions