Test Name
Electrolyte Panel
Panel includes
Chloride, Enzymatic Carbon Dioxide, Potassium & Sodium
Specimen Type & Acceptability
Serum
7 days refrigerated.
(CO2 is only acceptable for 5 days if it is in an unopened, refrigerated SST)
General Use
Screening test to evaluate patient electrolytes & acid-base balance
CPT Code(s)
80051
Special Instructions
Let clot for 10-20 minutes. After the sample is fully clotted, centrifuge the sample. Verify complete separation between cells and serum. DO NOT OPEN TUBE and refrigerate.
Container/Tube Type
Volume
2 mL Min. vol. = 500 ul
Suggested Tube Types
Description
Typical Volume
Gold Top Serum Separator Tube (SST)
⋜ 5 mL
Tiger Top Serum Separator Tube (SST)
^For larger volume tests
> 5 mL
Red Top Tube (No additive)
⋜ 5 mL
EDTA Whole Blood
3 mL
3.2 % Sodium Citrate Whole Blood
2.7 mL
Lithium Heparin Plasma Separator Tube
⋜ 5 mL