Timing, specimen options and instructions reflect the source snapshot.
FROM COLLECTION TO THE LAB
Specimen & handling
Specimen
Serum
Container
Serum Separator Tube (SST) – 0.5 ml serum.
Required volume
Serum Separator Tube (SST) – 0.5 ml serum.
Preparation
None required.
Collection instructions
Serum Separator Tube (SST) – 0.5 ml serum.
Processing
All human Serum Samples are considered to be potentially infective and are to be treated as such. Follow all precaution for handling biological material. Use all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Serum free from hemolysis is the recommended specimens. Separate serum from red blood cells as soon as possible. Allow blood samples to clot (15 mins). Separate the serum from the cells by centrifuging for 10 minutes. Store serum at 2-8°C until analysis.
Storage
Refrigerated
Stability
Use fresh sample for analysis when possible. Potassium are stable in serum for at least one week when stored at 2-8°C.
Rejection criteria
1. Any sample that is mislabeled 2. Any sample without a test request 3. Any broken or damaged tubes 4. Improperly spun or unspun
Technical information & codes+
Methodology
Quantitative Ion-Selective Electrode
CPT code
84132
Codes are shown for identification from the source snapshot. Confirm current coding and billing information with the laboratory.
