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Test Code ABGCAP Blood Gas, Capillary

Additional Codes

EPIC LAB4789

Clinical Significance

Blood Gases

It is important for the enzyme and electrolyte systems to maintain the correct pH of the blood. The pH of blood is regulated chemically by buffers, by the lungs via excretion of CO2, and by the kidneys by excretion of acid or reabsorption of base. The most important pH buffer in the blood is the carbonic acid-bicarbonate system. In order to evaluate the system, pH and pCO2 are measured.

Methodology

ABL 825 Flex

Special Instructions

Warm the puncture site for 5 to 10 minutes prior to collection. Do not squeeze the collection site, let the blood flow freely. Immediately after draw mix the sample with the mixing wire and magnet at least 20 times. Do not remove the mixing wire before sampling, move to the opposite end of the capillary tube and remove both end caps prior to sampling. Use the Capillary input mode

Sample Type

Preferred Sample Type
Clinitube

Centrifuge: No 

Specimen Minimum Volume

1 full Clinitube

Specimen Stability

Temperature Time
Ambient (18-25°C) 10 minutes
Refrigerated (2-8°C) N/A
Frozen (-15 to -20°C) N/A

Sample must be run within 10 minutes of collection.

Reference Ranges

Test Age Units Reference Range Critical Value
pH     7.25 - 7.43  
pCO2   mmHg 26 - 41 <19 or >67
pO2 0 days to 1 month mmHg 60 - 70 <43 or >250
O2S   % 95 - 98  
tCO2   mmol/L 18 - 27  
Base Excess/Deficit   mmol/L 0 - 2  
HCO3   mmol/L 17 - 24  

Rejection Criteria

Hemolysis N/A
Icterus N/A
Lipemia N/A

Reject samples:

  • Older than 10 minutes.
  • Containing bubbles.
  • Containing clots.
  • Exposed to air.
  • Samples on ice.

Availability

Performed STAT
24/7 Yes

 

Performing Laboratory

MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital Laboratory

Lab Department

Chemistry

CPT Code

82803

LOINC

24337-8 Gas panel (BldC)