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Test Code LAB2577 Ionized Calcium, Capillary

Important Note

FDA Guidance Update – iSTAT Capillary Sample Testing

Effective immediately, iSTAT capillary specimens can no longer be used to report results for the following analytes:

• Potassium (K⁺)

• Ionized Calcium (iCa²⁺)

• Lactate

 

Capillary Specimens for K⁺, iCa²⁺, or Lactate must be sent to the Laboratory for testing.

Additional Codes

ICA

Notes:

If not analyzed within 30 minutes of draw time, specimen must be tightly capped and transported on ice.  If delayed transport, store refrigerated up to 4 hours and transport on ice. If collected off-site from MUSC campus, contact Lab Client Services to schedule before collection.

Collection:

Preferred Container:

Heparinized Syringe: All Inpatients or on site collections (UMC, SJCH, ART, and KSMP)
LT Green – LiHEP (No Gel) – All Outpatients and LMC


 
Alternate container(s): 

 

UMC Main Lab ONLY - OFF CAMPUS AND OUTPATIENTS: Green topped tube (Dark Green Li Hep, no gel)   - DO NOT CENTRIFUGE TUBE


All Labs - OUTPATIENTS ONLY:  Green topped tube (Light Green Li Hep w/gel)  - DO NOT CENTRIFUGE TUBE


 
Collection Volume: Heparinized Syringe - 0.5 mL; Green topped tube must be filled to indicated line


 
Special instructions: If not analyzed within 30 minutes of draw time, specimen must be tightly capped and transported on ice.  If delayed transport, store refrigerated up to 4 hours and transport on ice. 

 

If collected off-site and sending to Charleston campus (UMC), contact Lab Client Services to schedule before collection.

 

 

iSTAT capillary exception:

  • Collection Tube: Use the No Gel Lithium Heparin Microtainer tube (green bullet tube). Our Day Item# 236225
  • Collection Volume: 400 µL
  • Minimum Volume: 200 µL (the first line on the no-gel bullet tube, clearly marked)
  • Transport: Send specimens via pneumatic tube station immediately to the ART lab at room temperature.
  • Stability: samples must be analyzed within 30 minutes of collection.

Stability:

Do not store. Send specimen to lab immediately.

 

Ambient: 30 Minutes

On Ice (preferred): 4 Hours

Turn Around Time (TAT):

STAT: 10 MINUTES

Routine: 4 HOURS

Test Availability:

24 hrs a day / 7 Days a week

Reference Interval:

1.14 – 1.29 mmol/L

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.