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HelpEpic 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 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
> 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
27-NOV-24 MS