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Epic Test Code LAB122 Sodium: Serum/Plasma

Performing Location(s)

BMC,CRH,LFH,HRK,OCH,FTT,FOX,FCC

Specimen Type

Serum or Plasma

Preferred Container

Gold or Red top tube

Alternate Container

Light Green top tube (Lithium heparin)

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

0.5 mL Serum or Plasma

  • Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.  

Storage Requirements

Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection 

Gold tops are stable in original tubes for 3 days DO NOT ALIQUOT

Aliquot Red tops

See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.

Transportation Needs

 Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements". 

Reference Values

Populations Units Reference Range

High Critical Value

 Low Critical Value
All populations mmol/L 136-145 >155 <120

 

Limitations

Samples exposed to Benzalkonium salts present in certain blood catheter devices will cause falsely elevated sodium and potassium measurements.

 

Citrate at a test concentration of 52.9 mmol/L decreases sodium by 38 mmol/L, decreases potassium be 0.6 mmol/L and increases chloride by 57 mmol/L.

 

Thiopental increases sodium results by as much as 33 mmol/L at 14 mg/dL of thiopental and up to 6 mmol/L at 2.8 mg/dL of thiopental. (Therapeutic range 0.7 to 13 mg/dL)

This method is affected by low (<3 g/dL) or high (>9g/dL) total protein and/or elevated triglycerides(>500 mg/dL). To obtain an accurate sodium value in patients with any of these conditions, a different specimen type is required for repeat measurement by an alternate method. Contact the laboratory to order LAB9916 if appropriate.

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes

>3 days Gold top
> 7 days Refrigerated
>24 hours Room Temp
Hemolysis > 250 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 500 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 40 mg/dL Bili

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

Yes

Methodology

Beckman AU/Dx Series

CPT Code

84295

Last Updated

26-OCT-24 MS