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HelpTest Code ICHM8 CHEM 8, POC REFLEX ONLY
Specimen Type
Fresh whole blood collected in an evacuated blood collection tube or microtainer tube with lithium or sodium heparin anticoagulant.
Specimen Collection
Collect sample into an evacuated blood collection tube or microtainer tube containing sodium or lithium anticoagulant. Fill tubes to capacity. Incomplete filling causes higher heparin-to-blood ratio, which may affect the results. The use of partial – draw tubes (evacuated tubes that are adjusted to draw less than the tube volume, e.g. a 5 mL tube with enough vacuum to draw only 3 mL) is not recommended for blood gas analysis because of the potential for decreased PCO2, HCO3 and TCO2 values. Mix blood and anticoagulant by inverting a tube gently at least ten times. For blood gases and total CO2, test within 10 minutes of collection. If not tested immediately, remix the sample before testing.
Specimen Volume
1 ml of sample is preferred. 200 ul is the minimum volume. If collected in a tube, the tube must be filled to capacity.
Specimen Stability
Testing should be started within 10 minutes of collection for most accurate results of TC02.
Special Instructions
Collect sample into an evacuated blood collection tube or microtainer tube containing sodium or lithium anticoagulant. Fill tubes to capacity. Incomplete filling causes higher heparin-to-blood ratio, which may affect the results. The use of partial – draw tubes (evacuated tubes that are adjusted to draw less than the tube volume, e.g. a 5 mL tube with enough vacuum to draw only 3 mL) is not recommended for blood gas analysis because of the potential for decreased PCO2, HCO3 and TCO2 values. Mix blood and anticoagulant by inverting a tube gently at least ten times. For blood gases and total CO2, test within 10 minutes of collection. If not tested immediately, remix the sample before testing.
Testing performed on the iSTAT Analyzer.
Performing Laboratory
Great Plains Health