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HelpTest Code LAB110 pH, Body Fluids
Additional Codes:
PH FL
Notes:
If not analyzed within 15 minutes of collection, specimen must be sent on ice and is stable for one hour.
Collection:
Specimen: Thoracentesis, Ventricular, Pleural, Chest, Synovial or Spinal Fluid. Unacceptable specimens: Feces or Gastric Fluid, and viscous or mucoid fluid samples.
Container: Heparinized syringe. Microtainers (bullets) are unacceptable.
Volume: Syringe: 0.3ml (send on ice)
Viscous or mucoid samples will be rejected; requests for pH analysis on such samples must be approved by a Pathologist. Call Lab Client Services at 843-792-0707 for additional information.
Stability:
Do not store. Send specimen to lab immediately.
Ambient: 15 Minutes
On Ice: 1 Hour
Turnaround Time (TAT):
10 minutes
Test Availability:
24 hrs a day / 7 Days a week
Performing Laboratory Section:
ART and Shawn Jenkins Hospital: send to ART OR Lab, 4th floor, Tube Station #55.
Main Hospital campus: send to Central Lab Receiving - EH318 University Hospital Extension, Tube Station #99.
Reference Interval:
| Fluid Type | pH |
| Transudates | 7.40 - 7.50 |
| Exudates | 7.35 - 7.45 |
| Serous (Pleural, pericardial, ascitic) | 6.80 - 7.60 |
| Synovial | 7.35 - 7.45 |
Literature source: Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 3rd edition, Norbert W. Tietz, editor. WB Saunders. 1995.