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Test Code =Na/K Sodium and Potassium Level for Blood Gas Syringe

Important Note

This test is for Sodium and Potassium level using a Heparinized Syringe.

Place specimen in outside pocket of a pre-filled biohazard bag of ice, then put into a separate biohazard bag for transport.

Do not place on ice at Bellevue, South, or North Clinic. EPOC capillary tubes are only accepted at Bellevue, South, and North Clinics.

Clinical System Name

Sodium and Potassium Level

Synonyms

= Na/K

Sodium and Potassium Level, Syringe

Sample Requirements

Specimen: Whole Blood

Container(s): Heparinized Syringe, 2 Capillary Blood Gas Tubes

 Preferred Vol: 1.0 mL Heparinized Syringe or 2 Full Capillary Blood Gas Tubes

Minimum Vol: 0.5 mL or 2 Heparinized Capillary Blood Gas Tubes (EPOC capillary tubes are only acceptable at Bellevue, South, or North clinics ).

Notes: Sample can be shared with a CBG if 2 capillary tubes are collected.

 

Notes:  Avoid hemolysis and contamination from IV line or tissue fluids. Method is affected by moderate to marked lipemia, slight - moderate hemolysis (increases K by 0.3 mMol/L), line dilution or contamination. Not affected by sodium heparin. Potassium is leaked from cells on standing.

Processing Instructions

Reject due to: Age of specimen, line contamination, insufficient quantity, hemolysis

Spin: N

Aliquot: N

Temp: 0-4C

Storage location:  Core Lab Fridge

 

Off-site collection: This test not available for off-site collection. If Potassium or Sodium level is needed, please use:

Potassium Level

Sodium Level

Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time

Heparinized Syringe, Heparinized Capillary Blood Gas Tube

 RT

≤ 15 min

≤ 10 min at Bellevue, South, North

Heparinized Syringe, Heparinized Capillary Blood Gas Tube

 0-4 C

≤ 30 min
  -20 C or -70 C

N

Availability

STAT Performed TAT
Y 24/7 20 min

Performing Laboratory

Seattle Children's Laboratory    

Department

Department:  Core Chemistry

Phone Number: 206-987-2617 (Client Services)

CPT Codes

82803

Methodology

Method: Potentiometric method by SIEMENS RAPIDPOINT 500 Analyzer

Analytical Volume: 1 Heparinized Capillary Blood Gas Tube or 0.5 mL Heparinized Syringe

Reference Range

Analyte (unit) Age Range
Sodium (mmol/L)

0 - 1 w

1 w - adult

132 - 142

135 - 145
Potassium (mmol/L)    

0 - 2 d

2 d - 3 m

3 m - adult   

3.7 - 5.9

3.4 - 5.6

3.5 - 5.5

Critical Values

Analyte (unit) Age Low High
Sodium (mmol/L) All

≤ 124

≥ 160
Potassium (mmol/L)

0 -2 d

2 d - 3 m

3 m - adult

≤ 3.1

≤ 3.1

≤ 3.1

≥ 6.4

≥ 5.9

≤ 5.9