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Test Code LAB54 Ionized Calcium

Important Note

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

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

Clinical System Name

Calcium Ionized

Synonyms

LAB54

Ca Ion

CA ++

Sample Requirements

Specimen: Whole Blood

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

Preferred Vol: 0.5 mL in a Heparinized Syringe, or 2 Full Capillary Blood Gas Tubes.

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

 

Note: Use only Heparinized syringe with dry Lithium Heparin for gases and electrolytes or heparinized capillary blood gas tubes. Sample can be shared with a CBG if capillary blood gas tubes are collected. Avoid air bubbles. Expel air from syringe and cap it immediately after obtaining the sample. Capillary blood gas tubes must be filled completely and mixed thoroughly to dissolve and disperse the heparin; EPOC capillary tubes are NOT acceptable. Ideally, whole blood specimens should be analyzed within 15 minutes of blood draw. Send to the lab immediately.

EPOC capillary tubes are only accepted at Bellevue, South, and North Clinics.

Processing Instructions

Deliver to Core Lab on ice. Notify technologist - STAT

Reject due to: Inadequately filled specimens, air bubbles, visible clots, age of specimen

Spin: N

Aliquot: N

Temp: 0-4 C

 

Off-site collection: Samples collected outside Children's may be drawn in a balanced heparin syringe and sent at 0-4o C within 4 hours.

Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Heparinized Syringe, Heparinized Capillary Blood Gas Tube

RT

RT

≤ 15 min

≤ 10 min (Bellevue, South, or North Clinic only)
Heparinized Syringe, Heparinized Capillary Blood Gas Tube 0-4 C 4 H
  -20 C or -70 C N

Availability

STAT Performed TAT
Y 24/7 15 min

Performing Laboratory

Seattle Children's Laboratory    

Department

Department:  Chemistry - Core

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

CPT Codes

82330

Methodology

Method: Potentiometric method by SIEMENS RAPIDPOINT 500

 

Analytical Volume:

AGE VOLUME
0-2 Y 1 FULL Heparinized Capillary Blood Gas Tube
> 2 Y 0.5 mL Heparinized Syringe

Reference Range

 Age mMol/L
<1 Y 1.16 - 1.45
1 - 4 Y 1.17 - 1.35
4 - 14 Y 1.18 - 1.30
> 14 Y 1.18 - 1.27

Critical Values

≤ 0.75 mMol/L

 

≥ 1.75 mMol/L