Laboratory Test Directory

Synonyms: K Whole Blood

CPT 4 Code: 84132

Test Order Mnemonic: AC K

Lab: Clinical Chemistry

Request Form: Chemistry 3 - Blood Gases

Collection: Routine venipuncture

Storage Instructions: 2-8°C; transport immediately (within 15 minutes) to lab

Causes for Rejection: Hemolysis, inappropriate anticoagulant

Availability: Samples are accepted 24 hours a day at High Volume Lab, Room 5.134 McCullough. Point of Care – ISCU, SICU, MICU, PICU, OR, TDC4A-ICU.

Turnaround Time: 20 minutes (5 minutes CODE)

Special Instructions: Do not use potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride anticoagulants. Indicate on slip and announce to lab personnel if sample is a CODE; sample will receive priority analysis. STAT/CODE samples should be whole blood.

Specimen: Blood

Volume: 1 mL blood

Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL blood

Container: Heparinized syringe or green-topped (heparin) vacutainer tube (preferred anticoagulant lithium heparin) for plasma/whole blood; red-topped tube for serum

Reference Ranges: Potassium: adult - 3.5-5.3 mmol/L, child under 1 year - 3.0-6.0 mmol/L

Critical Values: <3.0 or >6.0 mmol/L

Test Method: ISE

Reviewed by A.O. Okorodudu, PhD, MBA 10/21/2011