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Test Code LAB53 Calcium Level, Total

Clinical System Name

Calcium Level, Total

Synonyms

CA

Sample Requirements

Specimen: Whole Blood

Container(s): Lt. Green/Mint Top Lithium Heparin, Lt. Green/Lithium Heparin Microtainer, Gold SST, Gold Microtainer, Dark Green/Sodium Heparin, Red

Preferred Vol: 1.0 mL

Minimum Vol: 0.5 mL

 

Notes:  Method is affected by hemolysis and exposure to RBC's. Method is not affected by icterus, heparin, or lipemia.

Processing Instructions

Reject due to: Age of specimen, hemolysis, prolonged exposure to RBC's

Spin: Y

Aliquot: Y

Storage location: Core 5 Chemistry Refrigerator

 

Off-site collection: Avoid hemolysis. Specimen should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Spin blood and transfer serum or plasma to plastic tube and refrigerate or freeze.

Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum or Plasma RT

≤ 4 h
Serum or Plasma 2-8 C

≤ 22 d
Serum or Plasma -20 C or -70 C

≤ 365 d

Availability

STAT Performed TAT
Y 24/7 1 h

Performing Laboratory

Seattle Children's Laboratory    

Department

Department: Core Chemistry

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

CPT Codes

82310

Methodology

Method: Colorimetric method by Vitros 4600

Analytical Volume:  Vitros 4600: 0.02 mL + 0.03 mL dead space                        

Reference Range

 Age mG/dL
0 - 1 W 7.5 - 11.0
> 1 W 8.7 - 10.7
Critical Levels

≤ 6.1   ≥13.9

 

Results from recumbent patients may be 3% lower. Blood collected with stasis may have calcium concentrations 15% higher.

Description

Abnormal concentrations of serum calcium may indicate malfunction of the parathyroid glands, bone diseases, carcinoma, malnutrition and malabsorption syndrome, Vitamin D deficiency, overdose with calcium-containing antacids, and renal diseases.

Critical Values

≤ 6.1 mg/dL

≥13.9 mg/dL

 

Results from recumbent patients may be 3% lower. Blood collected with stasis may have calcium concentrations 15% higher.