Laboratory Test Directory

HEMATOCRIT: (089-0018)

Clinical Indication:

 Monitoring hematological status when Complete Blood Count (CBC) parameters are not required.

Test Mnemonic:

 HCT

Methodology:

 Part of an automated, multi-parameter counting of red blood cells (RBC) using electronic resistance detection enhanced by hydrodynamic focusing. The hematocrit is measured utilizing cumulative pulse height detection.

Performed:

 Samples are accepted 24 hours per day at Sample Management, 5.136 McCullough

Turnaround Time:

 STAT: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours

Specimen Requirements:

Special Instructions: ECMO specimens should be delivered directly to the Hematopathology lab (5.142 McCullough)

Collect: Routine venipuncture; Collect in EDTA (lavender tube). Micro-collection is acceptable.  The specimen should be collected to the appropriate fill volume stated on the collection tube.  The minimum volume required is 90% of the stated tube volume.

Storage/Transport:  Room Temperature 4 hours.  If testing cannot be completed within 4 hours sample should be refrigerated at 2-8° C.

Stability: Stable Refrigerated for 24 hours.

Causes for Rejection:  Clotted, QNS, identification error, hemolysis

Clinical Information:

Critical Values < 21.0% (newborns); < 15.0% (children/adult)

Interfering Substances: Clots or fibrin strands; inappropriate anticoagulant; extremely elevated WBC counts; sickle cells; hemolysis; electrolyte imbalances; warm or cold agglutinins; elevated plasma lipids; elevated chylomicrons; elevated bilirubin; elevated serum urea nitrogen.

Note:

CPT 4 Code:

 85014 (Limited Coverage Test (NCD)

Reviewed: 8/15/12

 A. Huerta, BS, MT(ASCP), MBA

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient.  Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually.  The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-9 code or its verbal equivalent.