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HelpTest Code LAB10043 pH, Pericardial Fluid
Performing Laboratory
Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory
Methodology
Ion-Specific Electrode (ISE)
Literature References:
1. Reference manual: ABL 800 Series. Radiometer America, Bronshoj Denmark, 2009.
2. pH Meter: pHTestr 50 and 50S Pocket Testers Operating Instructions. Oakton Instruments; Vernon Hills, IL 60061.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Pericardial Fluid
Container/Tube: Clean container or syringe
Specimen Volume: 5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Obtain specimen and place into a clean container or syringe.
2. If collected in a clean container, immediately draw 5 mL of fluid into a syringe.
3. Expel any air and cap with a Luer-Lok.
4. Place specimen in ice and send immediately to the lab.
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Turnaround Time:
STAT: 1 hour after receipt in laboratory
Routine: not available
Test Classification and CPT Coding
83986
Reference Values
Pericardial pH of <7.3 has been used to differentiate exudates from transudates.
References:
Kindig JR et al. American Journal of Medicine 1983:75;1077-79.
Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Sixth Edition. Elsevier Press. 2018. Chapter 43, Body Fluids, p. 925.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient < 1 hr / On wet ice < 2 hrs
Additional Information
For BJH Laboratory Use Only
Alternate Tube type(s): Mint Green or Red top tube
Analyte Stability:
See Analyte Stability Chart under General Information for a complete list.
Laboratory Processing Instructions:
Test performed in BJH Core lab. Deliver to the blood gas workstation immediately.
LOINC Code Information
| Name | LOINC Code |
| pH, Fluid | 2748-2 |