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