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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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WHOLE BLOOD PROFILE, CAPILLARY

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3462    Geisinger Epic ID:  45111

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Whole Blood


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

1 mL whole blood; minimum 0.4 mL.


Special notes: 

Due to sample instability, this test may only be collected and analyzed at a performing laboratory site (see below). Expel excess air from syringe. Mix well immediately after collection.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Room temperature (only). Transport immediately. Do not refrigerate.


Specimen stability: 

Stable 30 minutes at room temperature.


Rejection criteria: 

Stability limits exceeded. Specimens containing large clots or air bubbles.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 
pH7.350-7.450 units 
pCO235-45 mmHg 
pO275-100 mmHg 
Bicarbonate23-31 mmol/L 
Base Excess(-2)-(+2) mmol/L 
HemoglobinRefer to individual listing. 
Oxyhemoglobin94-99% total Hgb 
Carboxyhemoglobin0-1.5% total Hgb (Smokers 0-9%) 
Methemoglobin0-1.5% total Hgb 
Reduced Hgb0-5% total Hgb 
O2 content15-24% 
Glucose0-31 days 45-90 mg/dL
>= 32 days 70-120 mg/dL		 
Calcium - ionized0-17 years 1.22-1.37mmol/L
> 18 years 1.13-1.32 mmol/L		 
Sodium135-146 mmol/L 
Potassium3.5-5.1 mmol/L 
Chloride98-107 mmol/L 
Anion gap7.0-15.0 mmol/L 

Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
pH below 7.2 or above 7.6
Potassium below 2.5 or above 6.5 mmol/L.
Ionized calcium below 0.76, above 1.59.
Glucose <45, >500
Sodium <120, >155
pCO2 above 55 mmHg
Hemoglobin: Refer to individual listing.
Carboxyhemoglobin > 9.0%
CPT code(s):  82805, 82330, 82947, 84295, 84132, 82435, 85018, 82375, 83050
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

pH, pCO2, pO2, Bicarbonate, Base Excess, Hemoglobin, Oxyhemoglobin, Carboxyhemoglobin, Methemoglobin, Reduced Hgb, O2 content, Glucose, Calcium (ionized), Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Anion Gap


Methodology: 
Amperometric
Optical
Potentiometric
Synonyms: 

WHOLE BLOOD PROFILE, CAPILLARY, WBPCAP


Clinical significance: 

The whole blood profile on a capillary specimen contains blood gas tests, electrolytes, H/H, glucose and ionized calcium. It combines to help diagnose perfusion (i.e. respiratory) abnormalities and metabolic abnormalities.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
Sheng-Ying (Margaret) Lo, PhD, DABCC
Benjamin Andress, PhD, DABCC
Review Date:  12/30/2024

Performing Locations