Calcium, Ionized (whole blood)

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

Specimen must be collected at Miami Valley Hospital PSC or Miami Valley Hospital South PSC due to specimen handling ans short specimen stability window.

CAION

73548

3 mL whole blood Sodium Heparin (dark green top) tube.

1 mL

After specimen collected invert tubes 8 - 10 times, then transport tube on wet ice slurry to MVH or MVHSouth laboratory within 2 hours.

Sodium Heparin (dark green top) tube

Transport on ice slurry to laboratory within 1 hour.

2 hours on ice slurry
Room Temperature = n/a
Refrigerated = n/a
Frozen = n/a

Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.

24/7
CH

1 hour from receipt

SEX	AGE	Report Normals	Units
N/M/F	1000Y	1.12 - 1.30	MMOL/L

The ionized calcium is determined by an ion selective electrode methodology. The result that is generated is pH adjusted. The result is empirically based on a measured pH and ionized calcium concentration normalized to a pH of 7.40. This calculation compensates for in vitro changes in pH due to loss of CO 2 through specimen handling. Ionized calcium represents the true "bioavailable" calcium in the circulation. In situations where the total calcium is normal but does not fit the clinical picture, e.g., hyperparathyroidism, a determination of the ionized calcium will, many times, show an elevation in the "bioavailable" calcium component. This may be due to alterations in protein concentrations, especially albumin, that binds most of the calcium in the circulation.