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Epic Test Code LAB16 Electrolyte Panel

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

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

Transportation Needs

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

Storage Requirements

Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hour of collection followed by transfer of the serum (red or gold top) or plasma (green top) to a labeled plastic, aliquot tube.

See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements for Individual Components.

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen

Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes

Serum/Plasma not separated from cells within 2 hours of collection
Serum/Plasma- Stability depends on the component

Blood collected in a sodium heparin tube (dark green)

No add-ons for CO2

Limitations

Hemolysis and prolonged contact of serum with cells produces elevation of potassium

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

Thiopental increases sodium results to 6 mmol/L at 2.8 mg/dL of thiopental.

Reference Values

Sodium: Serum/Plasma
Population Units Reference Range High Critical Value Low Critical Value
All Populations mmol/L 136-145 >155 <120

 

Potassium: Serum
Population Units Reference Range High Critical Value Low Critical Value
All Populations mmol/L 3.5 >6.0 <2.8

 

Chloride: Serum
Population Units Reference Range
All Populations mmol/L 98-110

 

CO2
Population Units Reference Range High Critical Value Low Critical Value
All Populations mmol/L 21-31 >45 <10

 

Anion Gap (Calculated Parameter)
Population Units Reference Range
All Populations mmol/L 6-14

 

Includes

Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Carbon Dioxide, Anion Gap

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

Yes

Methodology

Beckman AU/Dx Series

CPT Code

80051

Last Updated

18-Mar-22 KT

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.