Test directory: Electrolytes

Ordering Code 165
Test Name Electrolytes
Alias Includes testing for: Sodium (Na), Potassium (K),
Chloride (Cl), Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Lytes
Preferred Specimen Serum
Preferred Container SST (Gold)
Other Specimen/Container Serum in Plain (Red), Plasma in Lithium Heparin (Green-PST),
Plasma in Lithium Heparin (Dark Green-PP No Gel)
Optimum Volume 1 mL
Handling Instructions All specimen types must be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. If no gel separation present in tube and testing is delayed, plasma/serum is aliquoted from cells within 2 hours of collection. Keep specimen &/or aliquot samples capped.
Transport Requirements Oahu: Refrigerated
Airline: Refrigerated
Specimen Stability Refrigerated: 2 Days
Once uncapped, stable refrigerated for 4 hours only
Frozen: 1 Month (Aliquot)
Frozen samples should be thawed once.
Rejection Criteria Hemolyzed, Insufficient quantity, Specimen older than stability limits
Avail. Stat YES
Analytic Time 1 Day
Methodology See individual analytes

Reference range(s)

Component Age Male Norm Male Critical Low Male Critical High Female Norm Female Critical High Female Critical Low Units Add'l info
Sodium >=19Y 136-145 <= 120 >= 160 136-145 >= 160 <= 120 mEq/L
Sodium 0-18Y 136-145 <= 130 >= 150 136-145 >= 150 <= 130 mEq/L
Potassium >=13Y 3.3-5.1 <= 2.4 >= 6.1 3.3-5.1 >= 6.1 <= 2.4 mEq/L
Potassium 2Y-12Y 3.4-4.7 <= 2.4 >= 6.1 3.4-4.7 >= 6.1 <= 2.4 mEq/L
Potassium 1D-2Y 4.1-5.3 <= 2.4 >= 6.1 4.1-5.3 >= 6.1 <= 2.4 mEq/L
Potassium 0-1D 3.7-5.9 <= 2.4 >= 6.1 3.7-5.9 >= 6.1 <= 2.4 mEq/L
Chloride ALL 98-107 <= 70 >= 130 98-107 >= 130 <= 70 mEq/L
CO2 ALL 21-31 <= 10 >= 40 21-31 >= 40 <= 10 mEq/L
Anion Gap ALL 14-20 14-20 mEq/L