Test Directory

Test Code
SICAL
Test Name
Calcium, Ionized, Serum
CPT Codes
82330
Included Tests
  • Calcium, Ionized, Serum
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Clinical Utility
Ionized calcium is the physiologically active fraction of total serum calcium. It is used for the evaluation of renal failure/transplantation and dialysis, sepsis and in cardiothoracic surgery.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Serum

Preferred Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 1.0 mL

Processing and Submission Instructions

Separator tubes: Contains clot activator and gel for separating serum from cells, but not anticoagulant. Separate serum from cells as soon as the clot has formed (30 minutes). If specimen is centrifuged before clotting is complete, a fibrin clot will form on top of the cell. This may cause the gel barrier to not be intact and could cause improper separation of serum and cells, possibly affecting test results.

Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.

Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

24 hours

Refrigerated

7 days
Causes for Rejection
Frozen specimens
Methodology
Potentiometric
Performing Location
Cedar Crest Hospital
Testing Schedule
Routine, daily