Venous pH

Test Code

VPH

CPT Codes
82800

Preferred Specimen

Whole Blood - Green Heparinized tube on slushed ice

Minimum Volume

2.0 mL

Transport Container

Whole Blood: heparinized green top tube or syringe on slushed ice.

Transport Temperature

On ice

Specimen Stability

1 hour on slushed ice

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Using plasma instead of whole blood; transporting specimen at inappropriate temperature, clotted

Methodology
Potentiometric

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon Completion of Analysis

Limitations

clot in sample; air bubbles in sample; IV contamination

Reference Range

7.32 - 7.42

Clinical Significance

A venous blood gas pH is an alternative method of estimating systemic pH that does not require arterial blood sampling. Performing a venous pH rather than an ABG is particularly convenient in the intensive care unit, since most patients have a central venous catheter from which venous blood can be quickly and easily obtained.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.