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