CALCIUM, IONIZED, whole blood (087-0435)
CPT 4 Code: 82330
Test Order Mnemonic: AC CA2+
Test Includes: Ionized calcium and pH
Lab: Clinical Chemistry
Request Form: Chemistry 3 - Blood Gas or Chemistry
Form 1
Collection: Care should be taken to avoid drawing
air into the syringe. Remove any bubbles from the sample immediately. Venous blood should
be collected with the tourniquet in place. Do not release the tourniquet before collection
of a sample for ionized calcium.
Storage Instructions: 2-8° C; transport, on ice,
immediately (within 15 minutes) to lab
Causes for Rejection: Clotted, improper
anticoagulant
Availability: Samples are accepted 24 hours a day in
High Volume Lab Rm 5.134 McCullough. Point of Care – ISCU, SICU, MICU, PICU, OR, TDC
4A.
Turnaround Time: 20 minutes (5 minutes CODE)
Special Instructions: The sample must be collected
and kept anaerobic. Do not use anticoagulants containing citrate, EDTA, fluoride, or
oxalate. Venoject green-stoppered tubes are also not acceptable. Heparin sources other
than balanced/titrated heparin may influence the ionized calcium significantly and
unpredictably.
Specimen: Whole blood
Volume: 3 mL blood
Minimum Volume: 1 mL blood
Container: Syringe or vacutainer containing
balanced/titrated heparin (whole blood)
Reference Ranges: Adult: 4.50-5.30 mg/dL
Critical Values:
Ionized Calcium: < 3.0 mg/dL or > 6.5 mg/dL
for serum
Critical Values: pH, serum: <7.20 or >7.60
