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Test Code LAB110 pH, Pleural 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: Pleural 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: Pleural 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

Pleural fluid pH is normally approximately 7.64. pH <7.2 is indicative of complicated parapneumonic effusions.

 

Literature References:

Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Sixth Edition. Elsevier Press. 2018. Chapter 43, Body Fluids, p. 925
Pleural effusions: Evaluation and Management. Cleve Clin J Med 2005;72:854-72.

 

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