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Test Code LAB54 Calcium, Ionized, Blood

Reporting Title

Calcium, Ionized

Methodology

Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE)

ISTAT at MH and SH

Useful in monitoring calcium status in patients with altered acid-base balance, abnormal albumin and protein levels, and renal patients.

Performing Laboratory

OhioHealth Laboratory Services-RMH, GMC, DH, DMH, MGH, GCMH, MH, SH, PMH Core Laboratories

Specimen Requirements

Draw a full, gold-top or a speckled-top serum gel tube.  Tube must be full. Spin down and send specimen refrigerated. Do not open tube. Do not transfer blood to other containers.

A full dark green lithium heparin tube (no gel) may be used.

Note:  Syringes used for blood gases and labeled “ABG and electrolytes” contain balanced heparin and may be used for ionized calcium when a whole blood specimen may be needed.

Required for I-STAT at MH and SH: Draw a full dark green/sodium heparin tube. Sample must be tested within 10 minutes of collection

 

Stability:

Serum stable for 4 days in an unopened tube.

Whole Blood stable for 4 hours in an unopened tube.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Refrigerate/Ambient/Frozen NO

Reference Values

4.5-5.3 mg/dL

Critical values  <3.0 mg/dL or >6.5 mg/dL

Alerting category: Always called within 1 hour 

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82330