Test Code CA Calcium LAB53
Test Method
Ion-Specific Electrode; Beckman DXC600
Performance
Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.
Routine: Typically completed within 4 hours after the
specimen arrives at the testing site.
Expedite: Typically completed within 1 hour after the
specimen arrives at the testing site.
STAT: Typically completed within 30 minutes after the
specimen
arrives at the testing site.
Useful For
The diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of disorders
including diseases of bone, kidney, parathyroid gland, or
gastrointestinal tract. Calcium levels may also reflect
abnormal
vitamin D or protein levels.
Specimen Requirement
0.5 mL serum or plasma is required.
CPT Code Information
82310 Chemistry: Calcium; total
Reference Values
8.5-10.5 mg/dL
-
Critical Value:
- Low: < 6.0 mg/dL
- High: > 13.0 mg/dL
LOINC Code Information
17861-6 Calcium [Mass/Volume] In Serum Or Plasma
Additional Specimen Collection Information
Collect blood in a lithium heparin, green-top or red-top
tube.
PST and SST (gel tubes) are acceptable. Serum or plasma should
be
separated from contact with the cells within 2 hours of
collection.
Specimens not centrifuged within 4 hours of collection may be
rejected. Refrigerate the specimen if unable to assay within 8
hours of collection. Samples with >3+ lipemia must be
cleared
prior to analysis.