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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.
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.
Out-Patient area collections:
Specimen Type: Pericardial Fluid
Container/Tube: Clean container or red top tube (no preservative or clot activator)
Specimen Volume: 5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Obtain specimen and place into a clean container or red top tube with no preservative or clot activator.
2. If collected in a clean container, immediately transfer 5 mLs of fluid into a red top tube with no preservative or clot activator.
3. Place specimen in ice or on an ice pack and send immediately to the IOH Core 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 < 6 hrs
For samples received between 4 - 6 hours on wet ice, a comment will be added.
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 |