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Electrolytes
Test CodeLYTES
CPT Codes
80051
Includes
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Carbon Dioxide, Anion Gap
Preferred Specimen
Serum (gold top) tube
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube
Transport Container
Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature or Refrigeration
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature - 24 hours; Refrigerated - 3 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolyzed, Quantity Not Sufficient, EDTA (purple top tube) contamination, IV contamination
Methodology
Potentiometric
Setup Schedule
Daily upon receipt
Report Available
Upon completion of analysis
Limitations
Heparinized catheters may contain benzalkonium chloride and should not be used for collection due to interferance with testing. A delay in centrifugation of several hours can result in a falsely increased potassium result.
Reference Range
See report or individual tests for reference ranges.
Clinical Significance
Electrolytes can be useful in the monitoring or diagnosis of several conditions including but not limited to: acid/base balance, hydration status, condition or disease monitoring, and monitoring of drug therapy affecting electrolyte concentrations.