Aluminum, Whole Blood

Test Code

6021Z

CPT Codes
82108

Preferred Specimen

2 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA trace metal (royal blue-top) tube

Patient Preparation
Avoid fruits, juices and tea for 24 hours before collection

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Whole blood collected in: Sodium heparin trace metal tube, EDTA (non-trace metal) tube or sodium heparin (non-trace metal) tube

Instructions

Carefully clean skin prior to venipuncture. Avoid hemolysis. Avoid worksite collection.

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 60 days

Methodology
Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS)

Setup Schedule

A.M. Sets up 3 days a week.

Report Available

Reports same day.

Clinical Significance

Aluminum has been found as a cause of encephalopathy in patients undergoing prolonged hemodialysis for renal failure. Patients in renal failure lose the ability to filter and excrete aluminum which consequently accumulates in the blood and eventually in the brain and in bone.

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.