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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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CALCIUM, IONIZED, WHOLE BLOOD

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB1925    Geisinger Epic ID:  14323

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 (preferred). Transport immediately. If delay in transport is anticipated, place specimen in an ice slurry.


Specimen stability: 

Stable 3 hours at room temperature or refrigerated.


Rejection criteria: 

Stability limits exceeded or clotted specimen.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

0-17 years: 1.22-1.37 mmol/L 
18 years and older: 1.13-1.32 mmol/L


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Below 0.76 mmol/L; above 1.59 mmol/L.
Additional information: 

None.


CPT code(s):  82330
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: 

Ionized calcium in whole blood.


Methodology: 
Potentiometric
Synonyms: 

Unbound calcium, CAIWB, Free calcium


Clinical significance: 

Ionized calcium represents the true "bioavailable" calcium in the circulation. It is measured with an ion-selective electrode (ISE) and corrected to a pH of 7.0. Ionized calcium is frequently measured with parathyroid hormone (PTH) to assess hyperparathyroidism.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
Sheng-Ying (Margaret) Lo, PhD, DABCC
Benjamin Andress, PhD, DABCC
Review Date:  12/26/2024

Performing Locations