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Electrolyte

3706

cpt

normal turn-around time

assays included

specimen type

minimum required

Lytes

80051

24 hours

Na, K, Cl, CO2

Serum or Plasma

1 mL of serum or heparinized plasma

collection instructions

  • Collect blood in a serum separator tube (SST) or a lithium heparin tube.

  • Allow the blood to clot at room temperature for 30 minutes if using an SST.

  • Centrifuge and separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection.

  • Transport the specimen at 2-8°C if not tested within 2 hours.

collection instructions

  • Hemolysis: Red blood cell destruction can affect test results.

  • Clotted Specimen: Plasma specimens must be anticoagulated.

  • Improper Labeling: Specimen must be labeled with at least two patient identifiers.

  • Insufficient Quantity: Volume less than 1 mL may not be sufficient for all tests.

  • Delayed Transportation: Specimens must be processed and tested within the specified time frame to ensure accuracy.

  • Serum or plasma must be separated from cells within 2 hours and kept refrigerated if there is any delay in testing.

  • Lipemia: Excessive fat in the blood can interfere with certain test results

clinical significance

Information for individual assay available

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