Test Code ICAL Calcium, Ionized
Specimen Information
Obtain specimen using standard phlebotomy techniques.
No special patient preparation is necessary.
Container | Specimen | Storage | Stability |
Lithium Heparin | Whole Blood | Ambient | 30 minutes |
Lithium Heparin | Plasma | Ambient | 4 hours |
Lithium Heparin | Plasma | Refrigerated | 12 hours |
Heparinized Syringe | Whole Blood | Ambient | 30 minutes |
Heparinized Syringe | Whole Blood | On Ice | 4 hours |
Reject Due To:
- Above conditions not met
- Moderate or Marked Hemolysis
- Specimen unlabeled or mislabeled
Instrumentation / Method
iSTAT / Ion Selective Electrode Potentiometry at 37 C
Test Schedule / Analytical Time / Test Priority
Daily / Same Day / Available STAT
Reference Range
Ionized calcium results have been adjusted to pH 7.40 to account for changes in specimen pH that may occur during transport. Ionized calcium concentrations increase approximately 0.2 mg/dL per 0.1 pH unit decrease.
>6 Months: 1.12 - 1.32 mmol/L
Critical Value(s): <0.78 mmol/L or >1.58 mmol/L
CPT / LOINC
CPT: 82330
LOINC: 1994-3