Test Code LAB5106 Calcium, Ionized
Performing Laboratory
Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center / Asante Three Rivers Medical Center / Asante Ashland Community Hospital
Specimen Minimum Volume
1.0 ml
Billing Code
2050185
Methodology
Ion Selective Electrode
Specimen Requirements
NO PST gel
Whole blood, invert tube 5-8 times after collection, keep on wet ice. transport to the lab immediately.
Sodium Heparin Dark Green top tube
or
Lithium Heparin Plain Dark Green top tube
Specimen may be collected at any time
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday - Sunday
Run STAT, testing must be performed within 30 minutes of receipt in the lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
82330 - Calcium; ionized
Additional Information
Calcium has many important physiological functions, including muscle contraction, hormone secretion, glycogen metabolism and cell division. Extracellular calcium provides a source for maintenance of intracellular calcium and has an important role in providing calcium ion for bone mineralization. Calcium stabilizes plasma membranes and influences permeability and excitability. A decrease in free (ionized) calcium increases neuromuscular excitability and tetany.
Specimen Transport Temperature and Stability
Keep on wet ice, transport to lab immediately
Do not uncap tube until immediately prior to analysis
Run as soon as possible, maximum stability is 4 hours if refrigerated (or on wet ice) at 2° to 8°C
For TRMC- Specimen must be received in the lab within 30 minutes of collection for testing or the specimen will be rejected.
Reasons for Rejection
Hemolysis
Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
Lack of Two Patient Identifiers:
1-Patient's First & Last name
2-Patient's Date of Birth
Performing Department
Chemistry