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Test Code ACEM Acetaminophen, Serum or Plasma

Additional Codes

Epic Order Code: LAB43
Sunquest Order Code: ACEM

Specimen Required

Container Type:

Optimal: Gold Top

Acceptable: Mint (preferred for STAT requests), Red Top or Green Lithium Heparin.

 
Optimal Collection Volume: 

4.5 mL; Full Tube
Collection Instructions:

Gently invert sample 5-6 times after collection.
Processing Instructions: 

1. Allow serum sample to clot for 30 minutes.

2. Centrifuge specimen within 2 hours of collection.

3. Specimen tubes without a gel barrier should have the serum or plasma aliquoted to a false bottom container after centrifugation.

4. Keep serum/plasma refrigerated until testing can be performed.

Useful For

This assay is useful in monitoring hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in cases of excessive use.

Method Name

Spectrophotometric

Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum* Refrigerated 7 days
  Ambient  24 hours

*Note: Heparinized plasma in gel separator tubes is less stable than serum and is only suitable for add-on testing up to 2 days following sample collection.  

Rejection Due To

Hemolysis Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject
Lipemia Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject
Icterus Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject
Other N/A

 

Post Processing Specimen Type

 

Preferred: Serum

Alternate: Plasma

Specimen Minimum Volume

Collecting minimum volumes can result in a need for sample recollection, and/or a delay in results. Minimum volumes are subjective and cannot account for all aspects of specimen and testing needs. Refer to the Specimen Required section for optimal volumes for laboratory specimens. Contact the Bronson Laboratory if complex collection exceptions occur that require more information.

 

Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL whole blood, 0.25 mL serum or plasma
Neonate Volume: 1 microtainer (400-600 uL)

Performing Laboratory

Bronson Laboratory, Chemistry - Kalamazoo, Paw Paw, Battle Creek, South Haven

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

24/7

Reference Values

People not on acetaminophen therapy have no acetaminophen in their serum. The expected values are expressed in terms of therapeutic range, which serves only as a guide for interpretation along with other clinical signs and symptoms.

 

Normal range: < 20 ug/mL

 

Critical value: > 40 ug/mL

LOINC Code Information

3298-7

CPT Code Information

80329

Sample Retention Time

7 days