Calcium (Total)
Order Code: CA
Order Form: Laboratory Requisition
Specimen:
Plasma
Collection Medium:
Plasma Separator Tube
Alternate Collection Media:
Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.
Minimum:
3 mL whole blood from light green top tube or 1 light green microtainer for pediatric patients
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Analytic Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
8.5-10.5 mg/dL Pediatric Reference Ranges: Age Male Female Units Birth-30 days 8.5-10.6 8.4-10.6 mg/dL 31 days-1 year 8.7-10.5 8.9-10.5 mg/dL 1-6 years 8.8-10.6 8.5-10.5 mg/dL 7-12 years 8.7-10.3 8.5-10.3 mg/dL 13-15 years 8.5-10.2 8.4-10.2 mg/dL 16-18 years 8.4-10.3 8.6-10.3 mg/dL Critical value: <6.0 mg/dL and >13.0 mg/dL
Test Limitations:
Hemolysis: No significant interference up to an H index of 1000 (approximate hemoglobin concentration: 1000 mg/dL).

Lipemia: No significant interference up to an L index of 1000 (approximate triglycerides concentration: 2000 mg/dL). Note there is poor correlation between turbidity and triglyceride concentration.

Icterus: No significant interference up to an I index of 60 (approximate conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin concentration: 60 mg/dL).

Criterion: Recovery within plus or minus 10% of initial value.

Reference:
Glick MR, Ryder KW, Jackson SA. Graphical Comparisons of Interferences in Clinical Chemistry Instrumentation. Clin Chem 1986;32:470-474.
Methodology:
Colormetric
Sample Processing:
Centrifuge at 3000 RPM for 10 minutes.
Aliquot plasma into labeled container and cap.
Sample Storage:
Refrigerate.
Transport Instructions:
Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.
CPT Code:
82310
 
See also:
Calcium-Other, Body Fluid (e.g., surgical drain, pericardial, peritoneal, peritoneal dialysis, pleural, or synovial)
 
See Additional Information:
Chemistry Critical Lab Values