Bismuth
Label Mnemonic: BIS
Epic code: LAB2720
Downtime form: A-1a Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery
Commercial Mailout Laboratory
6240-8 RCP
356-8593
Specimen(s):
Whole Blood
Specimen Instructions:
Patient Prep: Diet, medication, and nutritional supplements may introduce interfering substances. Patients should be encouraged to discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and non- essential over-the-counter medications (upon the advice of their physician).
Collection Medium:
Royal Blue K2 EDTA tube
Minimum:
Preferred Adult minimum = 7 mL whole blood from Royal Blue K2EDTA tube
Absolute Adult minimum = 0.5 mL whole blood from Royal Blue K2EDTA 
tube
Rejection Criteria:
Specimens collected in tubes other than Royal Blue (EDTA). Specimens transported in containers other than a Royal Blue (EDTA) tube or Trace Element-Free Transport Tube. Heparin anticoagulant. Clotted specimens.
Testing Schedule:
Sunday-Saturday
Turn Around Time:
1-3 days upon receipt at reference laboratory
Reference Range:
Less than or equal to 5.0 μg/L
Interpretive Data:
Elevated results may be due to skin or collection-related contamination, including the use of a noncertified metal-free collection/transport tube. If contamination concerns exist due to elevated levels of blood bismuth, confirmation with a second specimen collected in a certified metal-free tube is recommended.
Methodology:
Quantitative Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry
CPT Code:
83018