Thallium, Blood

Test Code

8830

CPT Codes
83018<br><strong>This test code is for non-New York patient testing. For New York patient testing, see test code 13649.</strong>

Preferred Specimen

4 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA trace element (royal blue-top) tube

Minimum Volume

2 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Sodium heparin (royal blue-top) tube

Instructions

Carefully clean skin prior to venipuncture. Avoid worksite collection.

Note: Tests performed on a specimen submitted in a non-trace element tube or non-acid washed/non metal free container may not accurately reflect the patient's level. If a non-trace element tube/container is received, it will be accepted for testing. However, elevated results shall be reported with a message that a re-submission with a trace element tube/container is recommended. EDTA (lavender-top) tube, Sodium heparin (green-top) and Sodium Heparin lead-free (tan-top) tubes will be run with disclaimer.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

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

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Tues, Thurs, Sat; Report Available: 2-5 days

Clinical Significance

Exposure to thallium is primarily through foods and may occur in highly selected industrial environments. Blood thallium may be used in assessing chronic toxicity.

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.