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Epic Test Code LAB34 Salicylate

Performing Location(s)

BMC,CRH,LFH,OCH,FTT,FOX

Synonyms

Acetylsalicylic Acid, Aspirin

Specimen Type

Serum

Preferred Container

Gold Top

Alternate Container

Red Top

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

0.5 ml Serum

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

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)  to a labeled plastic, aliquot tube.

See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes
> 30 day Refigerated (Serum tubes are routinely stored at the lab for only 7 days therefore, an add-on may not be possible after 7 days.)
> 24 hours Room Temp
> 3 months Frozen

Hemolysis > 800 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 750 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 30 mg/dL Bili

 

Reference Values

Population Units Reference Range High Critical Value
All populations mg/dl 2.8-20.0 >30

 

Limitations

Salicylate concentrations less than 2.8 mg/dL[0.20 mmol/L] should be considered negative (serum blank). At salicylates concentration of 20 and 40 mg/dL [1.45 and 2.90 mmol/L], salicyluric acid at 100 mg/dL increases the SAL result by 55%.

 

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

Yes

Additional Information

Therapeutic salicylate concentrations vary significantly, depending on the individual. A range of 2.8-20 mg/dL [0.20-1.45 mmol/L] includes effective serum concentrations for many patients; however, some individuals are best treated at concentrations outside this range.

 

Concentrations greater than 30 mg/dL[2.17 mmol/L] are often associated with toxic symptoms.

 

Concentrations greater than 60 mg/dL [4.34 mmol/L] are often lethal.

 

Should not be drawn earlier than 4 hours post ingestion. If time of ingestion is not known, two or more specimens drawn at 4 hour intervals may be used to estimate toxicity. The half-life of acetaminophen should be <4 hours. If two samples are drawn 4 hours apart, the second sample should be <50% of the first sample.

Drug Screen Assay Specificity.

Drug Screen Assay Interferences.

Methodology

Beckman AU/Dx Series

CPT Code

80329 (1 - 2 ordered)

80330 (3 - 5 ordered)

80331 (6 or more ordered)

Last Updated

18-Mar-22 KT