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Test Code 101 Calcium

Additional Codes

ALAB: CA

PowerChart: Calcium Total

MA Cerner: Calcium Level.

Test Method

MercyOne: Ion-Specific Electrode; Beckman DxC700AU

MA: Enzymatic Endpoint Method; Roche Cobas 6000

Specimen Requirement

0.5 mL serum or plasma is required.

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Collect blood in a lithium heparin, green-top or red-top tube. PST and SST (gel tubes) are acceptable. Serum or plasma should be separated from contact with the cells within 2 hours of collection. Specimens not centrifuged within 4 hours of collection may be rejected. Refrigerate the specimen if unable to assay within 8 hours of collection. Samples with >3+ lipemia must be cleared prior to analysis.

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Expedite: Typically completed within 1 hour after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT: Typically completed within 30 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Reference Values

8.5-10.5 mg/dL

  • Critical Value:
    • Low: < 6.0 mg/dL
    • High: > 13.0 mg/dL

CPT Code Information

82310 Chemistry: Calcium; total

Useful For

The diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of disorders including diseases of bone, kidney, parathyroid gland, or gastrointestinal tract. Calcium levels may also reflect abnormal vitamin D or protein levels.

LOINC Code Information

17861-6 Calcium [Mass/Volume] In Serum Or Plasma

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