Ionized Calcium

Test Code

CPT Codes
82330

Preferred Specimen

Serum (gold top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Lithium Heparin Whole Blood or Plasma (green top) tube

Instructions

Keep specimen anaerobic (do not open the tube or transfer the sample.)

Transport Container

Heparinized whole blood (stable for 2 hours at room temperature or 4 hours refrigerated), heparin plasma or serum (heparin plasma and serum are stable for 48 hours at room temperature, or 5 days refrigerated.)

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Serum and Lithium Heparin Plasma: Room Temperature - 2 days; Refrigerated - 5 days. Lithium Heparin Whole Blood: Room Temperature - 2 hours; Refrigerated - 4 hours.

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

Quantity Not Sufficient, Specimen uncapped prior to analysis preparation

Methodology
ABL825

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Reference Range

4.5 - 5.3 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

Ionized calcium measurement is useful in assessing calcium states during liver transplantation surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass, or any procedure requiring rapid transfusion of whole blood in neonates and in critically ill patients. It is a second-order test in the evaluation of patients with abnormal calcium values.

Ionized calcium, which accounts for 50% to 55% of total calcium, is the physiologically active form of calcium. Low ionized calcium values are often seen in renal disease, critically ill patients, or patients receiving rapid transfusion of citrated whole blood or blood products. Increased serum ionized calcium concentrations may be seen with primary hyperparathyroidism, ectopic parathyroid hormone-producing tumors, excess intake of vitamin D, or various malignancies.

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.