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Test Code
VBGC
Test Name
Blood Gas, Venous Cord Blood
CPT Codes
82803
Included Tests
  • Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide (pCO2)
  • Bicarbonate (HCO3), standard
  • Base Excess or Deficit, standard
  • pH
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Clinical Utility

Can be used to evaluate cellular hypoxia and acid/base balance in the newborn.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Whole Blood

Collection Containers:

  • Lithium Heparin Syringe
  • Dark Green Top (Lithium Heparin)

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 0.9 mL
Collection Instructions
  1. Fill tube completely
  2. Collect anaerobically
  3. Do not uncap tube
Processing and Submission Instructions

Must be tested within 30 minutes of collection.
Transport Instructions
  • Transport to the laboratory immediately.
  • Samples delayed for more than 15 minutes should be sent on ice.
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

30 minutes
Causes for Rejection

Clotted specimen.
Methodology
See Individual Test Listings
Critical Values

HNL Lab Medicine Critical Values
Performing Location
Cedar Crest Hospital, Hazleton Hospital, Muhlenberg Hospital, Pocono Hospital, Schuylkill Hospital
Testing Schedule
STAT testing only
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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