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HelpTest Code Pleur Fl pH Pleural Fluid pH
Aliases
Fluid pH, Pleural / pH Pleural Fluid
Useful For
Detrmine pH (acidity or alkalinity) of pleural (thoracentesis) fluids.
Special Collection Instructions
Aspiration in Transport Tube
Collection Method
Body Fluid Collection by Physician
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Preferred Specimen
Pleural / Thoracentesis Fluid
Acceptable Specimens
Pleural / Thoracentesis Fluid
Reference or Target Ranges
7.40 – 7.50
Reportable Units
pH
Critical Value
≤6.5
Reasons for Rejection
| Hemolysis Threshold | N/A |
| Icterus Threshold | N/A |
| Lipemia Threshold | N/A |
| Other | QNS, Clotted, Contaminated, Improperly Labeled, hemolyzed, color interference, sample >2 hrs old. |
Specimen Stability
| Ambient | 2 hours |
| Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) | N/A |
| Frozen(-70°C to 0°C) | N/A |
Performance Information
| Days and Time Performed | 24/7 |
| Expected Turn Around Time | Stat within 1 hours of arrival in lab Expedite within 2 hours of arrival in lab Routine within 4 hours of arrival in lab |
| Stat Availabilty | Yes |
| Performing Bench | UH Heme Man |
| Methodology/Method Description | iSTAT – Analyzer utilizing singe use disposable cartridges for accurate analyte determinations on a minimal sample in approximately 2 minutes. |
Special Handling
Deliver to laboratory ASAP
Additional Information/Important Notes
Pleural (thoracentesis) Fluid pH only- if other body fluid then the pH Fluid test should be ordered. CO2 will decrease with exposure of the specimen to room air and cause the pH to increase. Holding the specimen anaerobically at room temperature decreased the pH at at rate of 0.03 pH units per hour. Grossly bloody specimens can be spun down to test the supernatant. If still unable to perform testing – cancel due to color interference.
CPT Codes
83986