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Test Code ICAL Calcium, Ionized

Important Note

Place heparinized sample on ice and transport to the lab immediately. 

Do NOT uncap the sample at any time. 

Useful For

Assessing unbound calcium, calcium metabolism, physiologically active calcium fraction, hyperparathyroidism, ectopic hyperparathyroidism. Occasionally useful when hypercalcemia coexists with abnormal protein state such as myeloma. Useful in assessing active calcium fraction in hypoproteinemia and acidosis when calcium is low.

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