Acetaminophen

Test Code

LAB43

Alias/See Also

Paracetamol; Tylenol

CPT Codes
82003

Preferred Specimen

Heparinized plasma
Centrifuge within 2 hours of collection; refrigerate within 8 hours of collection.

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL plasma/serum

Other Acceptable Specimens

Serum (SST or red top)

Instructions

Routine venipuncture. 5 mL Light Green (Mint) top lithium heparin tube or SST tube. Minimum volume 2 mL.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated, stable 72 hours; stable 8 hours at room temperature

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

Insufficient quantity; failure to follow collection or storage requirements

Methodology
Colorimetric

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Within 4 hours
STAT 60 minutes

Reference Range

<=30.0 µg/mL Critical Values: >30.0 µg/mL

Clinical Significance

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a common drug which is used as an analgesic and antipyretic agent. Excessive doses can have toxic effects with the most common being hepatotoxicity. The drug may also cause acute tubular necrosis, pancreatitis, and myocardial necrosis.

Performing Laboratory
CH CHOMP HOSPITAL LAB (831-625-4811): CH CHEMISTRY

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.