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Blood Gas, Capillary

Additional Codes

LAB78

Performing Laboratory

MBMC Main Laboratory

Methodology

Amperometric and Potentiometric

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Whole blood
Container/Tube: 200-microliter capillary tube

Specimen Volume: Full tube

Collection Instructions: The tube is prepared with electrolyte-balanced heparin.A small metal rod, “FLEA” is needed to mix the blood after it is in the capillary tube. Both ends of the capillary tube need to have a stopper attached to prevent leakage.

Additional Information: Tube should be placed on ice immediately after draw to prevent gross changes in values by continued metabolism of RBCs and especially WBCs.

Specimen Transport Temperature

On wet ice

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday
Turnaround Time:
Within 1 hour

Reference Values

No reference ranges established for capillary specimens.

Arterial reference ranges (age:  >1 day):

pH = 7.35-7.45

pCO2 = 32.48 mmHg

pO2 = 83-108 mmHg

HCO3 (calc) = 20-30 mmol/L

Critical Values: 

pH  < 7.20   and   > 7.50

Base Excess  < - 12  (less than negative 12)

 

 

Test Classification and CPT Coding

Test Classification:

This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer’s instructions.

CPT Code:

82803