CPT 4 Code: 84403

Test Order Mnemonic: TESTOST

Lab: Clinical Chemistry

Request Form: Special Chemistry Form 2

Collection: Routine venipuncture

Storage Instructions: Collect and store on ice. Centrifuge the specimen, remove serum from cells within 2 hours of collection. Store serum refrigerated at 2-8C. Freeze serum at –20°C if delivery is >24 hours.

Causes for Rejection: Plasma, Severely hemolyzed or lipemic sample, serum not separated from red cells within 2 hours of collection, improper sample handling and storage and blood collected in any anticoagulated tube. See special instructions.

Availability: Samples can be delivered to Sample Management, Room 5.136 McCullough, 24 hours per day.

Turnaround Time: 24 Hours. Test performed Monday-Friday.

Special Instructions: The test can be ordered only once per inpatient admission and once per month for outpatients. Additional requests require the approval of the laboratory director.

Specimen: Blood

Volume: 2.0 mL blood

Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL serum

Container: SST (gel barrier) or Red top tube

Reference Ranges:  Adult Male: 280-880 ng/dL; Adult Female: 10-57 ng/dL

Test Method: Chemiluminescence

Reviewed/revised March 2008 by D. Davis