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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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SODIUM, FECES

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB1131    Geisinger Epic ID:  52449

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Watery liquid feces


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

10 mL random watery liquid fecal collected in a plastic screw-cap container, minimum 2 mL; or 24-hour, 48-hour or 72-hour watery liquid fecal collected in a plastic screw-cap container.


Special notes: 

Submit a frozen specimen of watery liquid feces in a plastic screw-cap container. Keep feces refrigerated during collection and transport frozen. Only watery liquid feces are an acceptable specimen. In the event a formed fecal specimen is submitted, the test will not be performed and will be cancelled.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Frozen. Specimen must be shipped frozen to reduce the odor during shipping and to minimize the risk of the container rupturing due to gas accumulation.


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: Unacceptable. Refrigerated: 7 days. Frozen: 60 days.


Rejection criteria: 

Specimens received in paint cans • Formed stool • Specimens received Room temperature • Specimens received refrigerated



TEST DETAILS
Additional information: 

This test only has clinical utility if performed on a watery fecal specimen.


CPT code(s):  84302
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.

Methodology: 
Flame Photometric
Synonyms: 

Quest test code 8833; Sodium, Fece


Clinical significance: 

Sodium, stool is useful in evaluating electrolyte loss in diarrhea and malabsorption states.


Review Date:  12/17/2024

Performing Locations