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