Test Code BCAL (LAB2108) Blood Gas & Na, K, ICAL, Capillary

Important Note

Blood gas specimens are stable for 30 minutes at room temperature. Send specimens promptly to the lab for testing.

Test ID	Reporting Name	Available Separately	Always Performed
TEMP*	Temperature	N	Y
FIO2*	Inspired O2	N	Y
PH	pH Arterial	N	Y
PCO2	pCO2	N	Y
PO2	pO2	N	Y
HCO3	HCO3	N	Y
NA	Sodium	N	Y
K	Potassium	N	Y
ICAL	Ionized Calcium	N	Y

*Captured during specimen collection.

Container Type:	Heparinized capillary tube, whole blood
Optimal Collection Volume:	1 capillary tube
Minimum Volume:	1 capillary tube
Collection Instructions:	Pre-warm the patient's heel by placing a towel soaked in warm water for 10-15 minutes before collecting the specimen. Remove the towel just before the specimen collection. Once the specimen is collected, send it promptly to the lab.
Specimen Transport:	Refrigerate
Processing Instructions:	Bring the specimen directly to chemistry and place it in the ice bin. Keep the specimen on ice until it is ready for testing.

Assay as soon as possible. Specimens are stable at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Quantity not sufficient

Evaluating acid-base status

Evaluating disturbances in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood

Radiometer ABL 800 systems

Test ID	Reference Range and Reporting Units
PH	7.35-7.45
PCO2	35-45 mm[Hg]
PO2	80-90 mm[Hg]
HCO3	21-28 mmol/L
NA	135-145 mmol/L
K	3.5-5.3 mmol/L
ICAL	4.5-5.3 mg/dL

Please click the Bronson Critical Values link to view Critical Values

24/7

Same day

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

Samples are discarded once per shift (every 8 hours)