Test directory: Electrolytes

Ordering Code165
Test NameElectrolytes
AliasIncludes testing for: Sodium (Na), Potassium (K),
Chloride (Cl), Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Lytes
Preferred SpecimenSerum
Preferred ContainerSST (Gold)
Other Specimen/ContainerPlasma in Lithium Heparin (Green),
Serum in Plain (Red)
Optimum Volume1 mL
Handling InstructionsKeep specimen &/or aliquot samples capped.
Transport RequirementsOahu: Ambient
Airline: Refrigerated
Specimen StabilityAmbient: 24 Hours
Refrigerated: 2 Days
Frozen: 1 Month
Once sample has been uncapped, it is stable refrigerated for 4 hours for CO2 testing.
Rejection CriteriaHemolyzed, Uncapped or loosely capped specimens/aliquots,
Specimen older than stability limits, Insufficient quantity
Avail. StatYES
Analytic Time1 Day
MethodologySee individual analytes

Reference range(s)

ComponentAgeMale NormMale Critical LowMale Critical HighFemale NormFemale Critical HighFemale Critical LowUnitsAdd'l info
Sodium>=19Y133-145<= 120>= 160133-145>= 160<= 120mEq/L
Sodium0-18Y133-145<= 130>= 150133-145>= 150<= 130mEq/L
Potassium>=13Y3.3-5.1<= 2.4>= 6.13.3-5.1>= 6.1<= 2.4mEq/L
Potassium2Y-12Y3.4-4.7<= 2.4>= 6.13.4-4.7>= 6.1<= 2.4mEq/L
Potassium1D-2Y4.1-5.3<= 2.4>= 6.14.1-5.3>= 6.1<= 2.4mEq/L
Potassium0-1D3.7-5.9<= 2.4>= 6.13.7-5.9>= 6.1<= 2.4mEq/L
ChlorideALL95-108<= 70>= 13095-108>= 130<= 70mEq/L
CO2ALL21-30<= 10>= 4021-30>= 40<= 10mEq/L