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Test Code LAB199 Specific Gravity, Body Fluids

Additional Codes

SPGR F

Collection:

Specimen: Body Fluid (Specify fluid type on lab request)

 

Container: Lavender top tube preferred, but other tubes will be accepted. Do not use Serum Separator or Clot Activator tube. Volume: 2 – 3 mL

Stability:

Send specimen to Lab ASAP.

Room Temperature: 1 hour 

Refrigerated: 24 hours 

Frozen at or below -20°C: Unacceptable 

Turn Around Time (TAT):

STAT: 1 HOUR

Routine: 2 HOURS

Test Availability:

Daily / 24 Hours / Available STAT

Reference Interval:

See Interpretive data

Interpretive Data:

Physician must interpret based upon origin of fluid & patient’s condition.  Specific gravity of serous fluids usually vary from 1.010-1.020.  Transudates typically have a specific gravity <1.015 and exudates > 1.015.  However, there is at least a 25% error in misclassification of either transudates or exudates based on specific gravity.  Specific gravity of amniotic fluid is normally slightly higher than distilled water.

Performing Laboratory Section

Urinalysis / UMC MAIN LABORATORY