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HelpTest Code ACEM or LAB43 Acetaminophen, Serum or Plasma
Specimen Requirements
| Container Type: |
Optimal: Gold or Mint*
*For STAT requests |
|
Acceptable: Red, or Green |
|
| Optimal Collection Volume: |
4.5mL; full tube |
| Minimum Volume: |
|
| Collection Instructions: |
Gently invert the sample 5-6 times after collection. |
| Specimen Transport: |
Refrigerate
|
| Processing Instructions: |
1. If serum, allow the specimen to clot for 30 minutes. 2. Centrifuge specimen within 2 hours of collection. 3. After centrifugation, specimen tubes without a gel barrier should have the serum or plasma aliquoted to a false bottom container. 4. Keep the serum or plasma refrigerated until testing can be performed. |
Specimen Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum* | Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Room Temperature | 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.
Specimen Rejection Criteria
| Hemolysis |
Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Lipemia |
Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Icterus |
Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Other |
Quantity not sufficient |
Useful For
This assay helps monitor hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in cases of excessive use.
Methodology
Roche Cobas - Spectrophotometric
Reference Ranges
Note: People not on acetaminophen therapy have no acetaminophen in their serum. The reference value is expressed in terms of the therapeutic range, which serves only as a guide for interpretation and other clinical signs and symptoms.
| Test ID | Reference Range and Reporting Units |
|---|---|
| ACEM |
< 20 ug/mL |
Critical value: > 40 ug/mL
Day(s) Performed
24/7
Expected TAT
Same day
Performing Laboratory
Bronson Laboratory, Chemistry - Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Paw Paw, South Haven
Sample Retention Time
7 days
CPT Code
80143
LOINC Code
3298-7