| METHOTREXATE, serum (087-0434) | |
|---|---|
| Test Mnemonic: | METHOTREX |
| Specimen Requirements: | |
| Collection: | 7mL of blood in red topped. Collect blood 24, 48, and 72 hours after administration of the drug. |
| Container: | Red topped |
| Minimum Volume: | 3mL of blood |
| Storage/Transport: | Protect sample from light. Delivered to Sample Management within 2 hours of collection. |
| Specimen Preparation: |
Protect specimen from light. Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Centrifuge to separate serum from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer serum from red-topped tube to labeled plastic transport tube and protect sample from light. |
| Stability: | Refrigerated for 24 hours or frozen for ≤ 1 month. (Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles). |
| Causes for Rejection: | Specimen not protected from light, incomplete and/or incorrect sample identification, improper storage/transport, and gross hemolysis. |
| Reference Range: | By report (reports may vary based on instrumentation, patient age and sex) |
| Turnaround Time: | Routine: 8 hours; ASAP: 4 hours; STAT: 1 hour |
| Methodology: | FPIA |
| Performed: | Clinical Chemistry |
| CPT 4 Code: | 80299 |
| Note: | Immediately wrap the blood tube with foil to protect from light. |
| 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-10 code or its verbal equivalent. | |