DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY

HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

30 PROSPECT AVENUE, HACKENSACK, NJ 07601

and

HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

AT PASCACK VALLEY
250 OLD HOOK ROAD, WESTWOOD, NJ 07675

MANUAL OF LABORATORY SERVICES

The procedures outlined in this manual will be followed unless a different procedure is
specifically requested by the physician. A Pathologist must be contacted to approve any
such deviation from standard protocol.

These test reference ranges are valid as of the date of this revision. New test methodologies
and instruments within the department may result in changes to these ranges. All patient
reports are released from the department with current reference ranges on the report. Always
refer to the patient report for the most updated reference range for a procedure.

2012 Revision

Ciaran M. Mannion, MD
Chair, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Director
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LABORATORY SERVICES MANUAL
DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC PAGE
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Hours 5
B. Location 5
C. Telephone Directory 5

II. TEST REQUESTS/COLLECTION OF SPECIMENS

A. Ordering Laboratory Tests 6
B. Specimen Collection and transport 7
Collections Sent Via Pneumatic Tube 9
Diagnostic Technician Beeper Distribution 11
C. Unsatisfactory/Sub-Optimal Specimen Policy 12
D. Routine Procedures 12
E. Timed Requests/Timed Collections. 13
F. Stat Procedures/ Draw Stats 14
Ordering Stat Procedures 14
Stat Procedure List 14
G. New Admissions 16
H. Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) 16
I. Pre-Operative Requests (Pre-Ops) 16
J. Point-of-Care Testing 17
K. Reference Laboratory Testing 17
L. HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley Testing 17

III. REPORTING RESULTS.

A. Turn Around Time 18
B. Availability of Laboratory Results 19
C. Critical Values Policy 19
Critical Value Lists (Adult and Children/Newborn) 23

IV. BLOOD BANK /TRANSFUSION SERVICE 25

A. Ordering Blood 26
B. Specimen Collection and Labeling 26
C. Trauma or Down time Numbers 27
D. Blood Requests for Surgical Procedures 27
E. Antibodies 27
F. Emergency Blood Transfusion Orders 27
G. Administration of Blood Products 28
H. Transfusion Reactions 29
I. Releasing Blood Products 29
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V. CYTOLOGY SPECIMENS
A. Body Cavity Fluid Collection 29
B. Breast Smear/Nipple Discharge Collection 30
C. Cerebrospinal Fluid Specimen Collection 30
D. Colonic Brushing Specimen 31
E. Direct Scraping Collection (Skin and Mouth) 31
F. Esophageal and Gastric Brushing Collection 31
G. Fine Needle Aspiration Collection 32
H. Pap Smear Specimen Collection 32
I. Respiratory Specimen Collection 34
J. Sputum Specimen Collection 35
K. Urine Specimen Collection 35
L. Pelvic Washings 36
M. Vitreous Fluid 37

VI. MICROBIOLOGY SPECIMENS

A. Blood Cultures 37
B. Cultures For Routine Bacteria 39
Body Fluids 39
Catheters. 39
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 40
Ear 40
Eye 41
G.C. Culture 41
Genital 41
Lower Respiratory Tract 42
Nasopharyngeal 43
Stool 44
Throat 45
Urine 46
Wound 47
C. Anaerobe Specimen Collection and Transport 47
D. Smear For General Bacterial Stain 50
E. Fungal Culture 50
F. Fungal Smear 51
G. T.B. Culture (AFB) 51
H. Intestinal Parasites 52
I. Blood Smears For Parasites 53
J. Cryptosporidium 53
K. Pinworm Prep 54
L. Trichomonas 54

VII. MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY TESTING

A. Monitoring Bone Marrow Transplantation 54
B. Molecular Coagulation Panel 55
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C. B & T Cell Gene Rearrangement 55
D. BCR-ABL PCR 55
E. BCR ABL FISH 56
F. PML-RARA FISH 56
G. PML-RAR PCR 56
H. C-MYC FISH 56
I. 11-14 Translocation, FISH 57
J. T(14-18), FISH 57
K. Bordetella pertussis/para pertussis PCR 57
L. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) PCR 58
M. 16S rDNA sequencing for bacterial detection/identification 58
N. HER2/Neu gene amplification FISH 58
O. K-RAS Gene Mutation 58

VIII. SURGICAL PATHOLOGY SPECIMENS 59

1. Routine Histopathology Specimens 59
2. Histopathology Specimens Requiring Special Handling 59
3. Specimens Exempted from mandatory submission to 61
Pathology
4. Specimens that can be Ordered as “Gross Examination Only” 62

IX. PATIENT REQUESTS FOR LAB SPECIMENS 62

X. REFLEXIVE TESTING 63

XI. PEDIATRIC REFERENCE RANGES 66

X. ALPHABETICAL TEST LISTING – starts on page 75

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I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. HOURS

Hackensack campus:
Mon-Fri: 7AM - 3PM FULL SERVICE
3PM - 7AM STAT SERVICE and selective routine testing.*
Sat/Sun/Holidays:
ALL SHIFTS - STAT SERVICE and selective routine testing.*
(Refer to alphabetic listing of tests, Weekends/Holiday for test availability)
* Routine testing is dependent on the Stat workload and staffing of the
Department.
HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley - Westwood campus:
The Laboratory at the Westwood campus provides 24/7 STAT SERVICE to
the Satellite ED for a specific menu of tests (see pages 17-18). Other tests
collected at this site will be forwarded to the Hackensack campus for analysis.
Out-patient specimen collection is available Monday-Saturday, 7 AM – 7 PM.

B. LOCATION

Hackensack campus:
The Main Laboratory and the Stat Laboratory of the Department of Pathology are
located on the first floor, East and West Pavilion Building.
Westwood campus:
The Laboratory at the North Campus is located on the first floor of the main building,
just off the Entrance Lobby.

C. TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

Main Laboratory Number (Hackensack campus) 551-996-4860

Anatomical Pathology/Cytology Reports 551-996-4808

Blood Bank 551-996-4813

Blood Donor Room 551-996-4818 and 4819

Charting 551-996-4812

Chemistry 551-996-4862

Cytology 551-996-4852

Diagnostic Technicians Office/Phlebotomy 551-996-4829

(5 Main, Room 5645)
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Out-Patient Blood Drawing 551-996-3062
(Medical Plaza Building, 4th Floor)

Hematology 551-996-4885

Histology 551-996-4870

HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley O/P Services: 201-880-2763

(Westwood campus) Laboratory: 201-880-2784

Microbiology 551-996-4859

Molecular Pathology 551-996-4859

Stat Laboratory 551-996–4860

TotaLab (Outreach) 551-996-4881

II. TEST REQUESTS/COLLECTION OF SPECIMENS

A. Ordering Laboratory tests

Laboratory tests will be performed only upon the order of individuals authorized by hospital
policy or State regulation. Authorized individuals include physicians, dentists, residents,
podiatrists, chiropractors, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses (in collaborative
agreements) or other health care professionals authorized by Board rule, public health
officer/agency or local board of health. A Medical Board-approved Clinical Order Set, once
signed by the physician, allows a nurse to order tests as outlined in the specific order set.
Established protocols approved by the Medical Board also allow specific testing to be
ordered as outlined in the protocol.

HIS ORDERING: All laboratory test requests should be appropriately ordered by the nursing
unit/service in the hospital computer system. For specific instructions in this area, please
refer to the Epic On-line Resources on the HUMCnet homepage or call the HELP Desk at
ext. 4357. If a test ordered as “miscellaneous” is unclear (e.g. a request using non-standard
or non-specific terms), the Laboratory will call to clarify it with the ordering nursing
unit/physician prior to entry into the Lab computer system.

DOWNTIME: In the event of HIS downtime, test requests should be submitted on

Downtime Forms, which are available from the Hospital Storeroom.

ADD-ONS: Once a specimen has been collected, requests for add-on tests must be called
directly to the appropriate Laboratory section prior to ordering it in the HIS. The section
will determine the suitability of the collected specimen for the requested additional test(s). It
is then the responsibility of the requesting unit/service to order the test in Epic as an “add-
on”.
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OUT- PATIENTS Requests for Out-Patient testing must be accompanied by a script or

requisition from an authorized person (see above), which must include an appropriate ICD-
9 code or diagnosis. The Laboratory will not accept verbal orders. Any test orders that are
unclear will be clarified with the physician/other provider prior to being entered into the
medical center’s computer system.

B. Specimen Collection and Transport

Specimens at HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley Satellite ER are collected by the ER techs

or nurses/physicians. Out-patient collection is available at this site Monday-Saturday, 7 AM
to 7 PM by either TotaLab phlebotomists or ER staff.

Specimens at the HackensackUMC main campus are collected by the Diagnostic

Technicians (who also perform EKG’s on the units), other laboratory personnel, or on the
nursing units/services by physicians, physician assistants, nurses, or designated technicians
(i.e. ETD Technicians).

The Diagnostic Technicians collect blood specimens, both routine and Stat, according to a
Spectralink (phone) system, whereby locations within the medical center are assigned a
specific phone number as a means of accessing the Technician on all shifts. A Charge
Technician is always available for issues needing immediate resolution. A listing of these
Spectralink phone numbers is on page 11 of this manual.

The following standards apply to all specimen collections:

a. Check the collection requirements (type of tube, volume of specimen,scheduling

requirements, etc.) listed in this manual for the specific test(s) to be ordered. The
HIS order entry system also provides specimen collection requirements during
the ordering process. Clarify any questions with the Laboratory prior to specimen
collection.

b. Identify the patient immediately prior to specimen collection as per

Administrative Policy 1402-1: Identification of Patients. This policy requires at
least two patient identifiers (patient name and date of birth or medical
record/Trauma number) when confirming the identity of the patient prior to
beginning tests, treatment, or service. This is accomplished by means of a patient
identification bracelet for banded patients, a verbal standard of identification for
unbanded patients, and application of the verbal I.D. standard prior to tests,
treatment or service. Staff must compare information verbally provided by the
patient and the information on the order with the medical record and/or bracelet.
Note: Clinical areas photographing patients may use the patient picture as one of the
identifiers. If the staff member leaves or is otherwise interrupted prior to collecting
the specimen, then the staff member should repeat the identification process.

c. Wear gloves in accordance with the universal (standard) precautions guidelines

for handling blood and body fluids.
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d. Label the specimen clearly for identification. All specimens delivered to the
Laboratory must include a legible patient name and other unique identifier, such as
the medical record (U#) number, billing number (B#), DOB or an ETD Trauma
number. The identifying label must be attached to the specimen container(s) at the
time of collection in the presence of the patient, and not deferred until a later time.

A computer-generated “clinician obtained specimen form” or a downtime form

should accompany all specimens.

UNLABELED or INCORRECTLY LABELED specimens will not be routinely

accepted by the Laboratory. The ordering site will be informed of the problem
and a new specimen will be requested. The decision to accept a “PRECIOUS
SPECIMEN” (difficult or impossible to replace; for example: CSF, biopsy
specimen) will be made on an individual basis by the section supervisor in
conjunction with the appropriate administrative and/or medical personnel.
Documentation of this correction and any follow-up actions taken will be made
through an incident report filed with Risk Management or a sectional log.

Blood Bank Labeling: Specimens for Blood Bank have additional requirements.
Two individuals (i.e. Diagnostic Technicians, ER Technicians, Registered Nurses,
APNs, Physician Assistants or physicians, or combination thereof) who are qualified
to draw blood specimens must approach the patient and witness the collection
procedure, bringing the specimen label to the bedside. After the required 2-patient
identification, the specimen(s) will be drawn and must be labeled at the bedside
and not deferred until a later time. Labels must be placed on the tube without
obscuring an original blank tube label. The required information can also be written
directly on the vacutainer tube label.

A Blood Bank specimen label must have the following information:

1. Patient identification:
a. Patient name (exactly as written on the ID bracelet) and medical record
number,
b. for Code 55 ONLY - ETD Trauma number.
2. Date of collection.
3. A legible signature and/or printed name and/or hospital provider identification
number of the individual who drew the specimen and
4. A second legible signature and/or printed name and/or hospital provider
identification number of the person witnessing/verifying the drawing and labeling of
the specimen.

NOTE: Blood Bank specimens received in the Blood Bank without this
procedure being followed will be discarded and the blood draw must be
repeated.

The use of preprinted labels is deemed acceptable by the NJ State Department of

Health and Senior Services as long as it contains the same information as the
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patient’s ID bracelet. Therefore, areas that have the capability of generating
computer labels may use them to label blood bank specimens. If the computer label
does not differentiate the individual who drew the specimen from the
witness/verifier, the name/code of the person who drew the specimen should be
circled.

Blood Bank specimen labels for use by collecting sites are also available from
Distribution. This label has pre-printed “prompts” (Name, Drawn by, Verified by,
Date) for ease of use.

e. The specimen(s) may be delivered to the Laboratory by pneumatic tube or by

courier.

Transport all specimens in tightly sealed containers, if applicable, to prevent

external spillage that could contaminate personnel and equipment.

If the pneumatic tube system is available, refer to the following Pneumatic Tube
Protocol to determine specimen suitability for this process.

f. If the specimen is sent by courier, there is a specimen receiving area in the Stat
Laboratory for the drop-off of ROUTINE and STAT specimens.

Collections Sent Via Pneumatic Tube

The following is a basic outline for sending specimens to the Laboratory via pneumatic
tube. Specific instructions regarding the use of the system can be found in the institution’s
Pneumatic tube policy. The pneumatic tube system is maintained and serviced by the Plant
Operations Department. Specific problems, questions etc. should be directed to that
department (ext 2032).

A. Any specimen sent through the pneumatic tube system must be in a tightly sealed
vacutainer, blood culture bottle, screw top or culturette container. Each specimen tube
must be appropriately labeled. Insert the container into a specimen bag; this will
contain leakage if necessary, preventing soilage of the tube system.

NOTE: UNLABELED, INCORRRECTLY LABELED, LEAKING OR

BROKEN SPECIMENS WILL NOT BE ROUTINELY ACCEPTED BY THE
LAB. See page 8 regarding “precious specimens”.

B. Do not place the requisition inside the specimen bag. Insert the requisition in the
open end pouch attached to the specimen bag.

C. Place the specimen bag into a properly lined carrier (several different liners are
available). Never overload a single carrier as this can result in specimen damage. Use
multiple carriers if necessary.

Note: If multiple vacutainer tubes are placed in one carrier, the tubes must be
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PARALLEL TO EACH OTHER. Do not overlap vacutainer tubes as they may break
during transport.

D. If additional liners or carriers are needed, contact Plant Operations (x2032). DO NOT
CALL THE LABORATORY. The Laboratory does not store carriers or liners, but returns
them to the house-wide system as soon as they are emptied.

E. Close and check that the carrier is securely latched.

F. Carefully punch in one of the station codes of the Laboratory: 206 or 413 or 603.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED FROM TRANSPORT THROUGH

THE PNEUMATIC TUBE SYSTEM AT ALL TIMES:

1. Syringes, needles, and sharps of any kind.

2. Personal items, including inter-office mail.
3. Items over 5 pounds.
4. Items too bulky to fit easily in the carrier. Never force items into a carrier!
5. Food or beverages.
6. Specimens with specific temperature or transport requirements:
Blood Ammonia (keep on ice)
Cold agglutinin (keep in warm water)
Complement, Total (keep on ice)
Cryoglobulin (keep in warm water)
Homocysteine (keep on ice)
Lactic acid (immediate transport)
Platelet aggregation (do not agitate in transport)
Renin (immediate transport)
7. 24 hour urine containers.
8. Precious Specimens - i.e., those that would be difficult or impossible to replace
if lost or broken. These include CSF, fetal fibronectin (fFN) specimens,
cytology brushings, tissue or bone marrow specimens. Department-approved
exceptions may be made by the Department of Pathology.
9. Blood/blood products for transfusion.
10. Cytology specimens in Coplin jars and Loop containers.

WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL THE SPECIFIC LABORATORY SECTION.

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DIAGNOSTIC TECHNICIAN’S SPECTRALINK DISTRIBUTION

Ext. 4829 DAY SHIFT COORDINATOR FOR QUESTIONS AND/OR CONCERNS.

71974 – CHARGE TECHNCIAN AVAILABLE 24/7

MORNING ROUNDS 5 AM – 9 AM

72013- LINK Building

71981- Pavilion
71986- Women’s & Children
71959- Conklin, Strawbridge, St.John, Main (Old Building)

9 AM – 1 PM

71984- 4 Links, SICU, Radiology DAR (1 Link), SAS( 2 Link) , MRI (1 Link)
71983- 3 Links, Recovery, OR, Open Heart, Vascular Lab
71982- 4, 5, 6 St. John, 4 and 5 Strawbridge, Ultrasound (1st Fl St. John)
71958- 3 Conklin, 3 Pavilion East and West, 2 Main, 3 Strawbridge (Allergy Center)
72001- 4 Pavilion West, 5 Pavilion East and West, MICU, CCU, 4 Conklin
71985- 8 Pavilion East and West, 9 Pavilion East and West, Mediplex, 4 and 5 Main
71986- Women’s & Children, Mother and Baby- East Building and Nursery, Peds ER
72014- Women’s & Children, Mother and Baby- West Building and Nursery, L & D,
NICU

1 PM – 9 PM

72014- Women’s & Children 2 and 3rd, 2 Link Recovery, 2 Main, Peds ER, R-Oncology
71958- Women’s & Children 4th and 5th.
71960- Pavilion 2,3, 4 PW, 3 Conklin, Ground Cath Lab
71965- 3 Links, Open Heart, SAS, OR (2 Link), 5 Strawbridge, 5 St. John
71959- 4 Links, SICU, 4 Strawbridge,4 St. john, 6 St. John, R- DAR (1 Link), MRI
71961- 4 PE, 5, 8, 9 Pavilion East and West, 5 Main, 5 Conklin, Johnson Hall, Mediplex
+

9 PM – 5 AM

71958- 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 East and West Pavilion

71960- ST. John, Main, Conklin, Open Heart, Recovery (2 Link), 2 Pavilion East and
West and 4 Pavilion East AM Rounds.
71984- 4 and 5 Strawbridge, 3 and 4 Link and SICU AM Rounds.
72014-Womens and Children Hospital, NICU AM Rounds
 12
C. Unsatisfactory/Sub-Optimal Specimen Policy

A specimen may be deemed unsatisfactory for processing for various

Unsatisfactory criteria:
reasons, including but not limited to, the following:

insufficient volume
unlabeled or improperly labeled
improper collection or storage prior to receipt in lab
damaged in transit
contamination
failure to meet the "patient preparation" requirements for the specific procedure as
given in the laboratory floor procedure manual.

Notification: Upon receipt of an unsatisfactory specimen, the laboratory will notify the
appropriate nursing unit, hospital service, or, in the case of an out-patient, the physician or
his office. The status of the unsatisfactory specimen and the notification information will be
documented in the laboratory computer system. If a replacement specimen is to be sent, the
original test order will be cancelled by the Lab and unit/service must reorder the test. The
replacement specimen will be processed in the Lab under a new accession number.

Documentation: If the physician requests that a properly labeled specimen be analyzed

despite its classification as “unacceptable”, the following should be documented as a
chartable footnote on the patient report: the reason for the unacceptability; the limits in test
result interpretation created by this unacceptability; and the physician’s name who requested
that the test be run.

Sub-optimal: Sub-optimal samples will be analyzed as deemed appropriate by the

technologist/technician, but the sample condition will be indicated as a footnote on the
patient’s test report. This will serve as notification to the requesting physician. The footnote
will be attached to the specific test(s) that would be affected by the condition. For example:
serum hemolysis might be attached to a potassium result. The footnote should also indicate
“clinical correlation recommended”. Any dialogue with the physician or other medical
personnel regarding the specimen will be documented in this footnote.

Sub-optimal blood samples include, but are not limited to: hemolyzed and lipemic
specimens.

Sub-optimal urine samples include, but are not limited to: urines of such unusual or dark
color that it interferes with the validity of test results; hemorrhagic urine samples; and
positive bilirubin results by dipstick.

If the suitability of a specimen is in question, a pathologist should be consulted.

D. Routine Procedures

1. Blood specimens for routine testing will be drawn by the Diagnostic Technicians on
5 AM rounds. All requests for work to be drawn at this time must be ordered through
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the Epic system by 4 AM of that morning. Routine orders placed after that time will
automatically default to late morning pickup.

2. Routine urinalysis specimens should be first morning specimens unless otherwise

specified by the physician. All routine urinalysis specimens should be kept refrigerated
until they can be delivered to the laboratory.

3. Routine laboratory testing will be performed as indicated in the alphabetical listing of

tests in this manual.

E. Timed Requests/ Timed Collections

1. Timed requests are not stat but are those that must be drawn at a specific time, i.e.,
10AM, 4PM, etc. Results of timed requests will be available within 4 hours of the time a
test is drawn.

2. All timed requests must be entered in the EPIC system at least 1 hour prior to the
collection time if they are to be drawn by the Diagnostic Technicians. Notify the
Diagnostic Technician Office at x 4829.

3. Timed collection of urine specimens (24 hr etc.):

a. Check to see if the specific test must be scheduled in advance, and if a

preservative is needed. Also check for specific time interval (24 hours, 2 hours,
etc.).

b. Obtain a collection bottle from Central Supply the day before the test. If
preservative is needed, contact the Chemistry laboratory (ext. 4862.)

c. Label the collection bottle clearly with the patient name, medical record number,
and date of collection.

d. Collection of urine should preferably begin at 7AM.

e. At the start of the collection period, have the patient void to empty the bladder
before collection begins. Discard this specimen. Record exact time and date.

f. Save all urine voided during the specified number of hours. Keep urine
refrigerated or on ice.

g. At the end of the collection period (i.e., 7AM the next day if time interval is 24
hours), have the patient empty his/her bladder. Add this specimen to the collection
bottle and record the exact time and date.

h. Send the labeled specimen and clinician-obtained specimen form to the laboratory
immediately upon completion. Note the total collection time where appropriate on
the form.
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F. Stat Procedures

DEFINITION: "STAT" tests are limited to those required for an acutely ill patient where the
result would clearly and significantly influence immediate patient management. The
result is considered mandatory within 60 minutes, unless otherwise indicated, from the time
the specimen is received in the Laboratory to result verification and availability in the HIS
computer.

“DRAW STAT” SPECIMENS: These are laboratory specimens that require immediate (“stat”)
specimen COLLECTION due to various reasons (examples: patient is to be discharged,
patient needs to go for other testing - such as x-ray – physician wants specimens drawn prior
to a medication dose, etc.).
**IMPORTANT**
DRAW STAT specimens are PROCESSED in the Lab as ROUTINE specimens.

ORDERING: All requests for collection of Stat/Draw Stat specimens that are not collected by
the unit themselves must be called to the specific Diagnostic Technician SpectraLink phone
designated on page 11. The computer generated Stat form or downtime form (as applicable)
must be available to the Diagnostic Tech who arrives to draw the specimen.

NOTE: During morning rounds (5 AM – 7:30 AM) all “Stat” and “Draw Stat”
requests should be directed to the SpectraLink phones designated on page 11 of this
manual.

Only test procedures listed on the STAT procedure list will be honored on a STAT
basis.

STAT Procedure List

BLOOD BANK
All Blood Bank procedures can be ordered Stat except:
a. Antibody titers
b. Isoagglutination titers
c. Blood donation appointments are scheduled for:
Monday-Thursday 8:00AM – 6:30PM
Friday 8:00AM - 3:00PM
Questions regarding blood donations should be addressed to the Blood
Donor Service at 996-4819 or 4818.

CHEMISTRY
Albumin
Acetone
Alcohol
Alkaline Phosphatase
ALT
 15
Ammonia
Amylase
AST
Bilirubin, Total and Direct
BNP
BUN
Calcium (serum and ionized)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Chem Screen
Chloride
CK, Total
CK-MB
CO2
Creatinine
Digoxin
Dilantin
FFN
Gentamicin
GGTP
Glucose (serum & CSF)
HCG, serum for pregnancy
Lactic Acid (serum & CSF)
LD (Lactic dehydrogenase)
Lipase
Lithium
Magnesium
Methotrexate
Microbilirubin (Neonates only)
Mini-Screen (Glucose, BUN, Calcium, Creatinine, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride,
CO2)
Osmolality
Phenobarbital
Phosphorus
Potassium
Protein (Serum & CSF)
PTH – only on intraoperative parathyroidectomies
Salicylate
Sodium
Theophylline
Tobramycin
Troponin I
Uric Acid
Vancomycin

HEMATOLOGY
CBC only, CBC with Automated Differential, CBC with manual Differential
Cell Count, Spinal and Cavity fluids
 16
Cell count, peritoneal dialysis fluid (only on request.)
D-Dimer
Differential, Automated
Differential, Manual (only by specific request)
Fibrinogen
Hematocrit
Hemoglobin
PFA 100
Platelet Count
PT (Prothrombin Time)
PT Mixing Study
PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time)
PTT Mixing Study
Thrombin Time
Vidas D-Dimer (ETD patients only)

IMMUNOLOGY
STS - performed STAT only on obstetrical patients in active labor who have no
previous syphilis serology test on record and newborns as indicated.

MICROBIOLOGY
Cultures are processed on all shifts
Gram Stains - performed STAT only if designated on the order.
India Ink Prep (CSF only)
Legionella Urinary Antigen
Rapid Group A Strep Antigen Screen
Streptococcus pneumoniae Urinary Antigen

URINALYSIS
Standard Urinalysis
Urine Drug Screen

G. New Admissions

If a patient is admitted directly to the nursing unit and has not had work performed on pre-
admission testing (PAT), the required tests should be ordered routinely for the next
morning. Do not order stat unless specifically designated on the order sheet.

H. Pre-Admission Testing (PAT)

All pre-admission testing (PAT) will be drawn in the designated HUMC PAT Center
(Hackensack or Westwood campus). Once verified by the Laboratory, the test results are
available on the HIS.

I. Pre-operative Requests (pre-ops)

Whenever possible, such requests should be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the
 17
scheduled operation. Do not delay until the evening shift before surgery.

J. Point-of-Care Testing

Point-of-Care (P-O-C) testing is defined as laboratory testing that is performed by hospital

staff outside of the physical confines of the Department of Pathology (i.e. Nursing units,
Out-Patient facilities, etc.). All P-O-C testing in the Medical Center must be performed in
consultation with the Department of Pathology and in compliance with applicable federal,
state, and other regulatory agency guidelines. This includes all waived and non-waived
testing as classified by the CMS (formerly HCFA) Clinical Laboratory Improvement
Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ’88).

Prior to instituting any procedure identified as a laboratory test, a department or service of

the Medical Center must notify the Department of Pathology in writing of their intention.
Memos should be addressed to: Ciaran Mannion, MD, Chairman of Pathology. The
Pathology Department will work with that department or service to evaluate the request and
address the pertinent issues, which include licensure, equipment evaluation, training,
policies and procedures, and quality control. Specific requirements for each procedure will
vary depending upon the complexity classification of the procedure and upon the specific
standards of the applicable accrediting agency.

K. Reference Laboratory Testing

While a patient is under the hospital’s care, all laboratory testing must be done in the
hospital’s laboratories or in approved reference laboratories. All reference laboratories
must be recommended by the Pathology Chairman to the Medical Staff for approval. The
Department of Pathology will maintain a listing of approved reference laboratories.

Requests for additions to this approved list must be submitted in writing to: Ciaran
Mannion, MD, Chairman of Pathology. Accompanying this request must be the
appropriate credentials of the proposed reference laboratory, including proof of federal
CLIA licensure, State licensure, and accreditation (i.e.: JCAHO, CAP – as applicable).

L. HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley (Westwood) Testing

BLOOD BANK: No Blood Bank is located at this site, but blood/components are
available for transfusion. If required, they would be transported from the main laboratory
Blood Bank at HackensackUMC – Hackensack campus.

The following tests are currently performed on-site at the Westwood location:

CHEMISTRY
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP/Mini Screen/Chem 8). Includes glucose, BUN,
Creatinine, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, CO2 (analytes can be ordered
individually also).
 18
Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP/Chem Screen/Chem 14). Includes all tests in BMP
plus Albumin, Alkaline Phosphatase, ALT, AST, Total Bilirubin, Total Protein
(analytes can be ordered individually also)
Blood gases (through Respiratory Care)
BNP
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Troponin
Ammonia
Lactate (Lactic Acid)
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Acetone (serum)
Amylase
Lipase
CSF glucose
CSF protein
Serum Alcohol
Serum BHCG

URINALYSIS
Routine urinalysis
Microscopic sediment
Body Fluid uric acid crystal identification

HEMATOLOGY
CBC
WBC Differential
Prothrombin Time
PTT
ESR
D-Dimer – Vidas
CSF Cell count
PFA-100

MICROBIOLOGY
Strep A rapid
Gram Stain (CSF only)

Other laboratory tests that are ordered will be transported to the main laboratories at
HUMC-Hackensack for analysis. Results will be available through the hospital computer
system. Questions should be directed to the on-site Laboratory at 201-880-2784.

III. REPORTING RESULTS

A. Turn-Around Times

The turnaround time for laboratory tests represents the time period from specimen receipt in
 19
the laboratory to result availability. This does not include specimen collection time, but
starts when the specimen actually arrives in the laboratory. The turnaround time for specific
tests is indicated in the alphabetical listings of procedures in this manual.

If the reporting of patient test results will be significantly delayed, appropriate

administrative and/or medical personnel will be notified by the Laboratory. The type of
action taken will be determined by senior sectional personnel in conjunction with the
pathologist and laboratory administrative personnel.

B. Availability of Laboratory Results

Computer: The results of laboratory tests are available on the hospital computer
system as soon as the results have been verified by the department. Terminals are
available on the nursing units and in the physician's lounge for this purpose. The units can
also check the testing status (verified, received in lab, etc.) in the computer. Access to their
patients’ lab test results is also available to physicians through off-site computer access.

If there is an undue delay in obtaining results at the Hackensack campus, contact the
Pathology Administrative Director (ext. 4815) or the Assistant Administrative Director
(ext.4825) during the day shift Monday - Friday, or the Stat Laboratory Charge Tech
(ext.4860) during the evening and night shifts all days. On the Westwood campus, contact
the on-site Laboratory at ext. 62784

NOTE: A “charge tech” is always designated when the above individuals are not
scheduled. This includes evenings and nights, and all shifts of weekends/holidays.

Charting: The hospital computer system (EPIC) allows the majority of clinical reports
to be directly viewed on the hospital system. Printed chart copies of the patient reports are
generated by the Laboratory information system for those tests that are not currently
available on EPIC (surgical/cytology reports, miscellaneous lab tests, reference lab
procedures with extensive interpretative data, etc). These reports are then filed in the
permanent patient medical record. TotaLab Out-Patient reports are either printed and
delivered to the ordering physician, faxed to the office, or sent on Labtest (an internet-based
result retrieval system). The LIS will also archive the information for future reference if
necessary.

C. Critical Values

Critical Values are laboratory values, performed either in-house or in approved

reference laboratories, which reflect pathophysiological derangement at such variance from
normal as to be life-threatening or to cause imminent physical harm to the patient unless
immediate therapy is instituted. This list has been compiled with the approval of the
Medical Board. To avoid unnecessary delay in therapy, as soon as a critical laboratory value
is obtained, the following will occur:

(1) The result is confirmed. Depending on the test result in question, this confirmation can
be by specimen repeat, by concurrence with patient diagnosis, by patient history, or by other
 20
means approved by laboratory sectional supervisory staff. For Adult ETD patients, see the
narrative below. Pediatric ER patients will follow the In-Patient protocol.
(2) The location of the patient is established.
(3) The appropriate medical personnel are notified as follows:

For In-Patients:
Once confirmed, the laboratory will immediately call the result to the appropriate licensed
clinical personnel (RN, APN, PA, MD) responsible for the patient’s care to report the
critical result(s). The nurse/physician/PA receiving the critical test results will then be asked
to “read-back” the test results to verify the accuracy of these results (HUMC Admin. Policy
530).

For ETD (Adult) Patients:

1. The laboratory will immediately call the critical value to the ETD physician
indicated on the patient order. The physician will be contacted first by spectralink
phone and if not reachable after 2 attempts, ext. 2217 will be called. If the
physician still cannot be reached, the charge nurse at ext. 2612 or the lead clerk at
ext. 2240 should be called to locate the provider. Revised lists of spectralink
numbers must be provided by the ETD when any updates are made. NOTE: If
there is no ETD physician indicated on the patient order, the lead clerk at
ext. 2240 should be called to assist in locating the correct ETD physician
before calling ext. 2217.
2. The physician receiving the critical result will be asked to “read back” the test
result to verify the accuracy of the information given (HUMC Admin Policy 530).
Documentation of notification and read back will be as per department policy.
3. If the physician questions the validity of the critical value, the following actions
may be taken at his request:
a. The test may be repeated on the same patient specimen. If the repeat agrees
with the original result, the tech will footnote in the LIS that a repeat
confirmed the original result.
b. If the repeated result differs from the initial result, the physician will be
consulted as to what further action is indicated. These actions may include the
following:
i. The MD may decide the repeated result is more in line with the
patient’s clinical presentation and accept this repeated result. If
the MD makes the decision to use the repeat as the final value,
the initial result will be error corrected in the LIS. Note: The
original result along with all documentation will remain part of
the patient’s medical record as a footnote.
ii. The physician may request that the initial specimen be run a third
time and that the initial result of the two closest values be
reported in the LIS.
iii. The physician may order a new specimen to be drawn and sent to
the laboratory for analysis. The specimen will be processed and if
a critical result is obtained, it will be called to the MD as per
laboratory policy. The results of both orders will appear in the
patient’s medical record.
 21

For Out-Patients:
Once confirmed, the laboratory will immediately call the physician’s office and ask to speak
to the physician or a nurse. If unable to do so in a timely manner, we will clearly state to the
office staff that we have a critical value that must be communicated to the physician or a
nurse and request that he/she contact us as soon as possible. If an answering service is
reached, the Lab representative will state that that they have a critical lab result on the
physician’s patient and that the physician should call back as soon as possible to get this
result. While a critical value will NOT be given to office staff or an answering service, the
Lab tech/clerk calling the critical should document in the computer/log sheet who they
spoke to at the office/answering service. Once the physician calls back, the Lab will request
a “read-back” of results given to verify the accuracy of the results (HUMC Admin. Policy
530).

For Patients from areas not in 24 hour operation:

In all cases, an attempt will first be made to contact the individual areas noted below. If this
proves unsuccessful, the following will occur:
Reuten Clinic – The laboratory will contact, through the service, the physician on call.
Adult Oncology - The laboratory will contact, through the service, the physician on call.

(4) DOCUMENTATION OF NOTIFICATION must be made either in the LIS or on the

requisition slip/downtime form (as applicable) by the individual placing the call. This
documentation must include:
the full name and title of the individual to whom the information was given and the read-
back verification,
the date and time of call, and
the Cerner username of the caller.

Example: Critical glucose called to and read-back by Kristin Jones RN 03/15/11 13:00 by
CH0099

Each section and shift that reports critical values will print and review an RRR (Result
Review Report) on their shift to ensure that all critical values have been reported and
documented appropriately. This review will be incorporated into the Department’s Quality
Management Program.

A critical value will be identified in the EMR (Epic) by a double exclamation point (!!) or
will print out on a paper patient chart with a footnote indicating its status as a critical result.
The notification documentation is available in both Epic and on the paper chart as well as in
the LIS..

A listing of current critical values is included in the Manual of Laboratory Services,

which is distributed to laboratory sections and is available to Nursing Units, clinical
services, and physicians on the HackensackUMC intranet (Departments Pathology).
This Manual is also available on the HUMC internet site www.hackensackumc.org
(Medical Specialties & Services Lab Outreach).
 22
Reference Laboratory Critical Values

The Department of Pathology does not refer specimens to reference laboratories that have
the HUMC Medical Board’s recognition as “critical values”. However, if a reference
laboratory notifies the Pathology Department of test results which the reference laboratory
has identified as a critical or “panic” value, Pathology will follow our critical value protocol
and notify the appropriate clinical practitioner of the results.

A listing of current critical values as approved by the HUMC Medical Board follows:
 CRITICAL LABORATORY VALUES LIST – ADULT 23
Hackensack University Medical Center Department of Pathology

Definition- Potential life-threatening values that will be reported immediately to a licensed

healthcare provider (Physician/Nurse/PA).

ADULT

CHEMISTRY HEMATOLOGY

Amylase > 1000 U/l HCT < 18% or > 61 %

T. Bilirubin, Serum > 15 mg/dl Hemoglobin < 6.6 or > 19.9 g/dl
BUN > 100 mg/dl Platelets < 37,000 or > 910,000
Calcium < 6.6 or > 12.0 mg/dl WBC < 2,000 or > 50,000
CO2 < 11 or > 40.0meq/l Fibrinogen < 88 mg/dl
Glucose < 46 or > 484 mg Factor Levels (excluding F XII) <25%
Lactate > 4.0 mmol/L PT/INR > 45 sec/4.8
PTT > 100 sec
Magnesium < 1.0 or > 4.9 mg/dl CSF cell count All
Phosphorus < 1.5 or > 8.9 mg/dl
Potassium < 3.0 or > 6.0 meq/l
Sodium < 120 or > 150meq/l
Viscosity > 8.0

Acetaminophen > 150 ug/ml MICROBIOLOGY

Digoxin > 2.5 ng/ml Positive blood culture or Smear
Dilantin(Phenytoin) > 30 ug/ml Positive CSF culture/smear
Lithium > 2.0 mg/ml Positive blood Parasite
Theophylline > 25 ug/ml Bioterrorism agents as advised by CDC
Phenobarbital > 40 ug/ml
Salicylates > 30 mg/dl
Gentamycin peak > 10 ug/ml
trough > 2.0 ug/ml
Tobramycin peak > 10 ug/ml
trough > 2.0 ug/ml
Vancomycin peak > 40 ug/ml
Trough > 15 ug/ml
Hep B S Ag POSITIVE
CK-MB & Troponin - First positive result will be called.
Cyclosporine <150 or > 250 ng/ml
Sirolimus < 6.0 or > 19.0 ng/ml
Tacrolimus < 5.0 or > 15.0 ng/ml

NOTE: Contact Department of Pathology for critical value references.

8/2000; 10/2001; 8/04; 4/05; 4/07; 7/07; 11/10

<criticalvalues-adult>
 24
CRITICAL LABORATORY VALUES LIST – CHILDREN/NEWBORN
Hackensack University Medical Center Department of Pathology

Definition-Potential life threatening values that will be reported to Physician/Nursing station

immediately.
CHILDREN

CHEMISTRY HEMATOLOGY
Amylase > 1000 U/L
Bilirubin > 13 mg/dl HCT < 20% or > 62 %
BUN > 55 mg/dl Hemoglobin < 6.9 or > 20.8 g/dl
Calcium < 6.5 or > 12.7 mg/dl Platelets < 53,000 or > 916,000
CO2 < 11 or > 39.0 meq/l WBC < 2100 or > 43,000
Creatinine > 3.8 mg/dl Fibrinogen < 77 mg/dl
Glucose < 47 or > 445 mg/dl Factor levels < 25 %
Lactate > 4.0 mmol/L
Magnesium < 1.1 or > 4.3 mg/dl PT/INR > 45 secs/4.8
Phosphorus < 1.3 or > 8.9 mg/dl PTT > 62 secs
Potassium < 2.8 or > 6.4 meq/l CSF cell count All
Sodium < 121 or > 156 meq/l
MICROBIOLOGY
Acetaminophen > 150 ug/ml Positive Blood Culture/ Smear
Dilantin > 30 ug/ml Positive CSF Culture/Smear
Phenobarbital > 40 ug/ml Positive blood Parasite
Salicylates > 30 mg/dl Bioterrorism agents as advised by CDC
Theophylline > 25 ug/ml
Gentamycin Peak > 10 ug/ml
Trough > 2.0ug/ml
Tobramycin Peak > 10 ug/ml
Trough > 2.0ug/ml
Vancomycin Peak > 40 ug/ml
Trough > 15 ug/ml
Sweat Test > 60 meq/l

NEWBORN ( 0-1 MONTH OF AGE)

Bilirubin > 13 mg/dl Hemoglobin < 9.5 g/dl

Calcium < 7.0mg/dl or > 11.5mg/dl Hematocrit < 33 or > 71%
CO2 < 13 meq/l or > 35 meq/l Platelets < 50,000 or > 916,000
Glucose < 50 or > 150 mg/dl WBC < 4,000 or > 35,000
Potassium < 3.5 or > 7.0 meq/l CSF cell count All
Sodium < 128 or > 150meq/l

NOTE: Contact Department of Pathology for critical value references.

8/2000 ; 10/2001; 8/04; 11/10

<criticalvalues-ped>
 25
IV. BLOOD BANK/TRANSFUSION SERVICE

The HackensackUMC Blood Bank/Transfusion Service is responsible for, but not

limited to, the following:
Rapid response to urgent requests for blood products
Provision of uncrossmatched red blood cells when requested
Assurance that required pre-transfusion samples meet acceptability criteria for
testing
Accurate performance and reporting of all tests
Provision of suitable blood products, upon physicians order
Safe storage, handling and issue of blood products
Communication with care providers, donor centers, suppliers and vendors
Assurance of the following turnaround times for the provision of products that are
requested stat:

Red Blood Cells * Fresh Frozen * Platelets *Cryoprecipitate

Plasma
50 minutes if Type Single Units 35 – Irradiated 25
and Screen is 45 minutes minutes 30 minutes
needed
10 minutes if type Double Units 45- Non irradiated 15
and screen is 60 minutes minutes
complete
* longer time Batch (4) of Concentrated
needed if clinically single units (pediatrics)
significant 60 minutes 2 1/2 hours
antibody is present
or historical or if longer time needed
irradiation is if irradiation is
required required
*Assuming valid blood type available

Maintenance of an available inventory of blood products designed to meet the

needs of the majority of patients. Some products, including but not limited to,
HLA matched or crossmatched platelets, deglycerolized red blood cells, washed
red blood cells, IgA deficient plasma, and granulocytes are not readily available,
and longer time is needed to procure these products.

Provision of CMV or specific antigen negative products and irradiated products

when indicated.

The Transfusing Clinical Areas are responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
Provision of a pre-transfusion patient sample, collected and labeled according to
standard operating procedure
 26
Provision of the appropriate blood product orders based on clinical conditions and
established utilization criteria
Inclusion, if applicable of special transfusion requirements with every order
Communication with the Transfusion Service in situations that warrant it, ie
massive transfusion protocol (MTP), emergency uncrossmatched requests, or any
situation where it may be warranted.
Patient informed consent for transfusion
Completion of the transfusion record, and notification to the transfusion service of
any suspected transfusion reaction or other potential adverse effects

A. Ordering Blood

Blood and blood products should be ordered through the hospital computer system. The
order must be based on the written request of a physician, or a verbal order to a professional
registered nurse followed by physician countersignature within 24 hours as per hospital
policy (Administrative Policy Manual, Policy 529: Verbal or Telephone Orders). The
appropriate orders must be placed in the computer, particularly in regard to the nature of the
blood or component required and the time it is needed. The retrieval form will print on the
unit when the transfuse order is completed. A retrieval form is necessary to obtain from the
Blood Bank any blood product for transfusion.

B. Blood Bank Specimen Collection and Labeling

Blood Bank specimens must be labeled at the patient bedside or collection chair at the
time the specimen is drawn, and not deferred until a later time, in a 10 ml purple-top
vacutainer tube. The information on the specimen label must match the patient
identification bracelet EXACTLY.

A Blood Bank specimen label must have the following information:

1. Patient identification:
a. Patient name (exactly as written on the ID bracelet) and medical record
number,
b. for Code 55 ONLY - ETD Trauma number.
2. Date of collection.
3. A legible signature and/or printed name and/or hospital provider identification
number of the individual who drew the specimen and
4. A second legible signature and/or printed name and/or hospital provider
identification number of the person witnessing/verifying the drawing and labeling of
the specimen.

NOTE: Blood Bank specimens received in the Blood Bank without this
procedure being followed will be discarded and the blood draw must be
repeated.

The use of preprinted labels is deemed acceptable by the NJ State Department of Health and
Senior Services as long as it contains the same information as the patient’s ID bracelet.
 27
Therefore, areas that have the capability of generating computer labels may use them to
label blood bank specimens. If the computer label does not differentiate the individual who
drew the specimen from the witness/verifier, the name/code of the person who drew the
specimen should be circled.

Blood Bank specimen labels for use by collecting sites are also available from Distribution.
This label has pre-printed “prompts” (Name, Drawn by, Verified by, Date) for ease of use.

C. Trauma or Downtime Numbers

Blood cannot be crossmatched for any patient who does not have a hospital identification
bracelet on their wrist bearing the patient's name and hospital number. If such information
is not available, the bracelet must bear a trauma number or downtime identification number.
This number is to be used on all orders in accordance with AABB regulations. As soon as
the critical period is over, a bracelet with the patient name and medical record number
should be placed on the patient’s wrist. DO NOT REMOVE THE ORIGINAL
BRACELET EVEN WHEN THE REGULAR BRACELET IS ATTACHED UNTIL
ALL REQUESTS BEARING THIS NUMBER ARE NO LONGER PERTINENT.

D. Blood Requests for Surgical Procedures

1. Type and Crossmatch for Blood for Surgery

All blood transfusion orders for scheduled surgical procedures should be received by the
Blood Bank no later than 3:30 PM on the day prior to surgery. Blood that had been
crossmatched for surgery but was not used will be released at 7:00 AM the morning
following surgery.

2. Type and Screen

ABO group, Rh type and antibody screening should be ordered the day prior to surgery. The
"type and screen" will be performed and the results charted. If blood is needed STAT on
patients who have been typed and screened, it will be available within ten minutes
(assuming no antibodies are present) following an immediate spin crossmatch.

E. Antibody Detection and Identification

Antibodies detected in the performance of Blood Bank testing will be identified for Blood
Bank purposes to facilitate the procurement of compatible blood. Delays in blood
procurement caused by the detection of unexpected antibodies will be promptly
communicated to the patient's physician and the patient care unit.

F. Emergency Blood Transfusion Orders

If there is no time for a crossmatch, an Emergency Blood Release Form (L-011) properly
 28
completed and signed by the physician, should be sent to the Blood Bank. It is preferable
that the recipient be given blood of his specific group and type. Grouping and typing takes
a minimum of 15 minutes. If there is sufficient time for this, the M.D. should check the
group and type specific box on the form

If there is insufficient time for grouping and typing, the GROUP O (UNIVERSAL
DONOR) box should be checked and O negative blood will be released as packed cells in
conformance with AABB standards. Additionally, if blood of the specific group and type
is not available, GROUP O negative blood will be substituted.
If the GROUP O box is checked, but the group and type of the recipient have been
determined by the Hackensack University Medical Center Blood Bank, blood of that
specific group and type will be released.

In any event, the crossmatch will be set up in the usual manner and completed while the
patient is receiving the blood. ANY DISCREPANCIES WILL BE IMMEDIATELY
COMMUNICATED TO THE PHYSICIAN IN CHARGE.

G. Administration of Blood/Blood Products

BLOOD CANNOT BE ADMINISTERED WITHOUT A WRITTEN ORDER. If

least incompatible blood must be given to a patient, the order must read "transfuse least
incompatible blood".

Blood administration is the responsibility of the House Staff or nursing personnel.

The Blood Bank "retrieval form" must be signed by an RN and presented to Blood Bank
personnel to obtain a unit of blood and/or blood components for administration by House
Staff or nursing personnel.

When blood is released from the Blood Bank, it is accompanied by two copies of the
crossmatch transfusion tag. After proper patient identification been made by comparing the
information on the transfusion tag with the patient bracelet I.D., the transfusion may be
started.

IMPORTANT: Both copies of the tag must be signed by the transfusionist and
verified by a second party.

When the transfusion is completed, the remaining infusion data should be recorded on both
copies of the transfusion tag. The "Chart Copy" is charted on the patient's medical record
and the second copy is returned to the Blood Bank. This constitutes Blood Bank evidence,
as required by law, that the transfusion was given.

RhoGam is obtained from the Blood Bank and is administered by the ordering physician or
a member of the House staff.
 29
H. Transfusion Reactions

In the event of any untoward reaction during a transfusion, the nurse in charge is to follow
the procedure on the Compatibility Transfusion Tag.

I. Releasing Blood Products

Blood is released by 6:00 AM daily. AABB standards require that repeat crossmatches be
performed at intervals of 72 hours using a fresh sample of the patient's blood. In practice,
this necessitates re-crossmatching every third day. Blood ordered will be held for three (3)
calendar days unless the requisition specifies a shorter period of time.

V. CYTOLOGY SPECIMENS

The Cytopathology section processes specimens for the detection of cancer, infection and
other diseases. The Cytopathology Section is located in the Pathology Department on the
first floor of the Patient Pavilion. The telephone number is 201-996-4852. The laboratory
is open for receiving specimens between the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday
through Friday, except for holidays. Specimens received at other times will be accepted in
the Stat Laboratory and held for processing on the next working day.

REMEMBER:
ALL CYTOLOGY SPECIMENS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED.
All specimens must be labeled with two patient identifiers – patient’s
full name and one other unique patient identifier such as medical record
number, date of birth or requisition identification sticker.
A REQUISITION MUST ACCOMPANY EACH CYTOLOGY SPECIMEN
A specimen requisition may be created by entering an order into the
Epic system or completing a TotaLab requisition form.
ALL REQUISITIONS MUST INCLUDE PATIENT NAME, DATE OF BIRTH,
COLLECTION DATE, ORDERING CLINICIAN, THE INDICATION FOR THE
TEST OR ICD-9 CODE, PERTINENT CLINICAL HISTORY AND SPECIMEN
SOURCE.
WRITE SPECIMEN SOURCE ON CYTOLOGY SPECIMEN LABEL as a
double check for the source that has been entered into the computer system.

Unfixed specimens should be sent to the laboratory only during the receiving hours. Prompt
handling of unfixed material is necessary to prevent degeneration of the exfoliated cells which
renders the specimen unsatisfactory. Unfixed material should be submitted to the laboratory
within minutes after being obtained.

NOTE: The pathologist may order additional stains as necessary for diagnosis

A. Body Cavity Fluid Specimen Collection:

Test includes routine evaluation of thin-preparation slides and cell blocks and/or special stains
when indicated.
 30
Patient preparation: Physician performs procedure.
Specimen Collection: Collect fluid in container(s). Clearly label container with
patient’s name and medical record number. Write specimen source on container label.
label.. Recommended minimum amount of fluid for cytologic studies is 50-200 ml. Cells can
be examined from any volume of fluid but higher volumes of fluid yield better results.

Fixative: Anticoagulant recommended for bloody or proteinaceous fluid. Specifically,

fluid should be placed in container with 3 units for every 1ml of fluid collected.

Transport specimen and requisition to Cytology Laboratory immediately. If a delay is

unavoidable, refrigerate the specimen. Specimens may be sent to the Stat Lab accessioning
area when the Cytology section is closed.

Note: If clinically suspicious for a lymphoproliferative disorder (leukemia/lymphoma),

it is recommended that fluid be submitted for flow cytometry analysis. Refer to
the Special Diagnostic Immunology manual for collection requirements.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Nipple Discharge Specimen Collection:

Patient preparation: Physician performs procedure

Specimen Collection: Express secretion by gently compressing the areola area between the
thumb and index finger, first vertically then in a clockwise direction to include the total area.
Allow a small drop of fluid to accumulate on the nipple. Touch glass slide to secretion several
times. Invert another slide over the specimen. As the specimen spreads, gently pull the two
slides apart horizontally. IMMEDIATELY drop the slides into 95% alcohol or spray
IMMEDIATELY with cytology spray fixative. Do not allow cells to air dry. Label slides in
pencil with patient’s name and 2nd identifier such as date of birth or medical record number.

Transport specimen and requisition to Cytology Laboratory as soon as possible. Specimens may
be sent to the Stat Lab accessioning area when the Cytology section is closed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Cerebrospinal Fluid Specimen Collection:

Test includes routine evaluation of thin-preparation slides and special stains as indicated.

Patient preparation: Physician performs procedure

Specimen Collection: Collect fluid in container(s). Clearly label container with patient’s name
and medical record number. Write specimen source on container label.. Cells can be examined
from any volume of fluid but higher volumes of fluid yield better results.

Transport specimen and requisition to Cytology Laboratory IMMEDIATELY. If a delay is

unavoidable, refrigerate the specimen or added equal volume of Cytolyt to specimen.
Specimens may be sent to the Stat Lab accessioning area when the Cytology section is closed.

Note: If clinically suspicious for a lymphoproliferative disorder (leukemia/lymphoma),

 31
it is recommended that fluid be submitted for flow cytometry analysis. Refer to the
Special Diagnostic Immunology manual for collection requirements.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Colonic Brushing Specimen Collection:

Test includes routine evaluation of thin-preparation slides and special stains when indicated.

Patient preparation: Physician performs procedure

Specimen Collection: Agitate brush vigorously in container of Cytolyt Preservative to dislodge

cells. Note: Cytolyt solution contains methanol and should never come in direct contact with
the patient. Clearly label container with patient’s name and medical record number. Write
specimen source on container label.

Transport specimen and requisition to Cytology Laboratory. Specimens may be sent to the Stat
Lab accessioning area when the Cytology section is closed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

E. Direct Scraping Specimen or Tzanck Smear Collection (Skin and Mouth):

Test includes routine evaluation of smears and special stains when indicated.

Patient preparation: Physician performs procedure.

Specimen Collection: Scrape lesion with spatula. If the lesion is moist, scrap the entire surface
of the lesion with the spatula. If lesion is dry or has a necrotic and inflammatory surface, gently
moisten and remove necrotic debris with gauze that has been moistened with water or saline.
Allow gauze to remain in place for several minutes. Scrape lesion several times in same
direction. Spread the scraping uniformly on glass slide and spray IMMEDIATELY with spray
fixative. Do not allow the slides to air dry.

Transport specimen and requisition to Cytology Laboratory as soon as possible. Specimens

may be sent to the Stat Lab accessioning area when the Cytology section is closed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

F. Esophageal and Gastric Brushing Specimen Collection:

Test includes routine evaluation of thin-preparation slides and special stains as indicated.

Patient preparation: Physician performs procedure

Specimen Collection: Agitate brush vigorously in container of Cytolyt Preservative to dislodge

cells. Note: Cytolyt solution contains methanol and should never come in direct contact with
the patient. Clearly label container with patient’s name and medical record number. Write
specimen source on container label.
 32

Transport specimen and requisition to Cytology Laboratory. Specimens may be sent to the Stat
Lab accessioning area when the Cytology section is closed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

G. Fine Needle Aspiration Specimen Collection:

Test includes routine evaluation of thin-preparation slides or prepared smears and cell block and
/or special stains as indicated.

To ensure optimal numbers of adequate cells on a palpable or deep seated organ, the
presence of a Cytopathologist/Cytotechnologist is recommended. If the specimen is not
palpable, the aspiration should be performed under radiologic methods.
Schedule the procedure with the Cytology Section (ext. 4852) at least one day in advance.

Patient preparation: Physician performs the procedure

Specimen Collection: Specimen is collected with a needle and syringe. Clean skin
around palpable mass with alcohol. Hold mass with free hand and insert the needle. Pull on
plunger to create negative pressure. Move needle back and forth at slightly different angles.
Observe junction of the needle and syringe for appearance of any material. Release plunger,
then withdraw the needle and place pressure on the puncture site with a sterile gauze.
Disconnect needle from syringe. Fill syringe with air and reconnect to needle. Express a
drop of material onto a glass slide. Place second slide on top of first, allowing weight of
slide to spread drop; then pull slides apart horizontally. Immediately spray with fixative or
immerse in 95% alcohol. Also, the contents of needle and syringe may be flushed by
aspirating Cytolyt solution from cup of Cytolyt. Express cytolyt back into cup. Note:
Cytolyt solution contains methanol and should never come in direct contact with the
patient. Dispose of needle in proper container. Label slides and/container with patient’s
full name and second identifier. Write specimen source on container.

Send slides, cytolyt and requisition to Cytology Laboratory as soon as possible.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

H. Pap Smear Specimen Collection:

Cytologic examination of cells from the cervix and vagina has been shown to reduce the
risk of death from cancer due to the detection of otherwise occult precancerous and early
cancerous lesion. The ThinPrep Pap Test (a much-improved monolayer method) is the
laboratory’s preferred method for Pap Smear collection. High risk HPV testing can be run
off the fluid remaining in the vial after the pap smear has been prepared.

The requisition should always include all of the following information: Name, date of birth,
patients' address, age, source of specimen, date of specimen collection, last menstrual
period, history of abnormal paps or biopsies, history of abnormal bleeding, presence of
discharge, hormonal therapy, pregnancy, nursing and any other relevant data. Patients at
increased risk for cervical cancer should be identified as such on requisition slip.
 33
Patient preparation: The best time to collect the Pap smear is two weeks after the first day
of the last menstrual period. The patient should be instructed not to use vaginal
medications, spermacides or douches 48 hours prior to collecting the pap smear. The
patient should refrain from intercourse 24 hours prior to the collection of the pap smear.

Preparation of Cervix: Lubricate the speculum with warm water. Do not use lubricant jelly
because it can obscure cellular material making cytologic evaluation difficult. A sample
from the transformation zone is the primary target for representative sampling of the cervix
by the "Pap" smear technique. It is in the transformation zone that the vast majority of
squamous epithelial abnormalities (cancerous and pre-cancerous) of the cervix arise.
Remove excess mucus, blood or inflammatory material gently with a dry gauze.

ThinPrep Method (monolayer processing from vial) – Specimen collection:

A. Collection with broom device:

1. Sample the exocervix and endocervix by inserting the central bristle of the broom
collection device into the endocervical canal deep enough to allow the shorter bristles
to fully contact the ectocervix. Push gently and rotate the broom in a clockwise
direction five times.
2. Rinse the broom into the ThinPrep vial by pushing the broom into the bottom of the vial
10 times, forcing the bristles apart. As a final step, swirl the broom vigorously to further
release material.
3. Discard the broom.
4. Tighten the cap so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.
5. Label the vial with patient’s full name and second patient identifier.
6. Complete requisition form and place both in a specimen bag for transport to the
laboratory .

B. Collection with spatula and endocervical brush:

1. Sample the exocervix using a spatula.

2. Rinse the spatula immediately into the ThinPrep vial by swirling the spatula vi
vigorously in the vial 10 times. Discard the spatula.
3. Sample the endocervix using an endocervical brush. Insert the brush into the
cervix until only the bottom fibers of the brush are visible. Slowly rotate the
brush one-half turn in one direction taking care not to over-rotate.
4. Rinse the brush immediately into the ThinPrep vial by rotating the brush in the
solution ten times while pushing against the vial wall. Swirl the brush
vigorously to further release any material. Discard the brush.
5. Tighten the cap so that the cap passes the torque line on the vial.
6. Label the vial with patient’s full name and second patient identifier.
7. Complete requisition form and place both in a specimen bag for transport to the
laboratory .

NOTE: The brush/broom should NOT be left in the vial.

 34

Conventional Method (Slide) – Specimen collection:

1. Sample the exocervix with a spatula. Have the nurse or assistant hold this spatula.
2. Sample the endocervix using an endocervical brush. Insert the brush into the
cervix until only the bottom fibers of the brush are visible. Slowly rotate the
brush one-half turn in one direction taking care not to over-rotate.
(The cytobrush should not be used on pregnant patients).
3. Upon removing this device, immediately smear the endocervical specimen contained on
the cytobrush on the section of the slide farthest from the frosted end by a uniform
rolling motion; then take ectocervical specimen contained on spatula second half of the
slide closest to the frosted end.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Respiratory Specimen Collection:

Test includes routine evaluation of thin-preparation slides and special stains as indicated.

NOTE: As the findings at bronchoscopy are usually not predictable beforehand, the
physician may obtain material by any means which may prove to be the most
desirable at the time of examination. Specimens may be obtained by Wang
needle aspiration, direct smears of suspicious areas and bronchial washings.

WANG NEEDLE ASPIRATIONS

The Cytology Section may assist at Wang needle aspirations. Schedule the procedure with
Cytology (X4852) at least one day in advance.
Patient preparation: Physician performs procedure.

Specimen Collection: Express aspirated fluid onto glass slide that has been labeled
with patient’s name and medical record number. Gently cover with another slide and
smear. Drop slide(s) IMMEDIATELY in 95% alcohol fixative. Rinse needle in purple
top tube containing a small amount of saline. Label tube with patient’s name and medical
record number. Note specimen source on requisition AND on specimen container

Transport specimen and requisition to Cytology Laboratory as soon as possible. Specimens

may be sent to the Stat Lab accessioning area when the Cytology section is closed.

DIRECT BRUSHINGS

Patient preparation: Physician performs procedure.

Specimen Collection: Rotate brush gently but rapidly on clean glass slide labeled with
patient’s name and medical record. Drop slide immediately in 95% alcohol fixative. Rinse
brush vigorously in a 15 ml bottle of balance salt solution. Note side of procurement on
requisition AND on specimen container
 35

BRONCHIAL WASHING / BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE (BAL)

Patient preparation: Physician performs procedure.

Specimen Collection: Collect specimen in clean container. Clearly label container with
patient’s name and medical record number. Write specimen source on container label.

Transport specimen and requisition to Cytology Laboratory as soon as possible. Specimens

may be sent to the Stat Lab accessioning area when the Cytology section is closed.

NOTE: For specimens requiring a Grocott methenamine silver stain (GMS) to rule out the
presence of Pneumocystis carinii organisms, you must indicate RUSH or STAT on the
requisition if results are needed the same day. Also include a beeper or phone number at
which we may call the clinician with results. Enter R/O Pneumocystis carinii in comments
section.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J. Sputum Specimen Collection:

Test includes routine evaluation of thin-preparation slides and special stains when indicated.

Patient preparation: None.

Specimen Collection: Submit deep cough fresh specimen in container. Label container
with patient’s name and 2nd patient identifier such as date of birth. To increase the yield of
diagnostic cells, specimens should be obtained by an early morning, deep cough for three
consecutive.

Transport specimen and requisition to Cytology Laboratory as soon as possible. If a delay is

unavoidable, refrigerate the specimen. Specimens may be sent to the Stat Lab accessioning
area when the Cytology section is closed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

K. Urine Specimen Collection:

Test includes routine evaluation of thin-preparation slides and special stains as indicated.

Urinary cytology is useful in diagnosing diseases that involve the mucosal surface. Knowing
the type of exfoliated urinary tract specimen is essential. Therefore, the requisition should
also include whether the specimen is voided, catheterized or a bladder washing.

VOIDED SPECIMENS – Avoid early morning specimens as the cells undergo

degenerative changes, making cytologic diagnosis difficult. The minimum amount of urine
necessary to ensure adequate cellularity is unknown, but it may be a high as 25-100ml. In
women, voided urine may be contaminated by vaginal cells and a mid-stream (clean catch)
specimen is recommended
 36
Patient preparation: Clean urethral area.

Specimen Collection: Collect mid stream urine in container. Clearly label container with
patient’s name and second patient identifier. Write source on container.
Transport specimen and requisition to Cytology Laboratory as soon as possible. If a delay is
unavoidable, refrigerate the specimen. Alternately, specimen may be mixed with an equal
volume of CytoLyt Preservative. Note: Cytolyt solution contains methanol and should
never come in direct contact with the patient Specimens may be sent to the Stat Lab
accessioning area when the Cytology section is closed.

CATHETERIZED SPECIMENS

Patient preparation: Clean urethral area.

Specimen Collection: Collect urine in container. Clearly label container with patient’s
name and second patient identifier. Write source on container.

Transport specimen and requisition to Cytology Laboratory as soon as possible. If a delay

is unavoidable, refrigerate the specimen. Alternately, specimen may be mixed with an
equal volume of CytoLyt Preservative. Note: Cytolyt solution contains methanol and
should never come in direct contact with the patient. Specimens may be sent to the Stat Lab
accessioning area when the Cytology section is closed.

BLADDER WASHINGS

Patient preparation: Physician performs the procedure.

Specimen Collection: Collect urine in container. Clearly label container with patient’s
name and second patient identifier. Write source on container.

Transport specimen and requisition to Cytology Laboratory as soon as possible. If a delay

is unavoidable, refrigerate the specimen. Specimens may be sent to the Stat Lab
accessioning area when the Cytology section is closed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

L. Pelvic Washings

Test includes routine evaluation of thin-preparation slides and special stains as indicated.

Patient preparation: Physician performs procedure.

Specimen Collection: Collect fluid in container(s). Clearly label container with patient’s
name and medical record number. Write specimen source on container label.

Transport specimen and requisition to Cytology Laboratory as soon as possible. If a delay is

unavoidable, refrigerate the specimen. Specimens may be sent to the Stat Lab accessioning
area when the Cytology section is closed.
 37
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

M. Vitreous fluid

Test includes routine evaluation of Thin-preparation slides and special stains as indicated.
Patient preparation: Physician performs procedure
Specimen Collection: Collect fluid in container(s). Clearly label container with patient’s
name and medical record number. Write specimen source on container label. Cells can be
examined from any volume of fluid but higher volumes of fluid yield better results.

Transport specimen and requisition to Cytology Laboratory IMMEDIATELY. If a delay is

unavoidable, refrigerate the specimen. Specimens may be sent to the Stat Lab accessioning
area when the Cytology section is closed.

VI. MICROBIOLOGY SPECIMENS

NOTE: Identification and susceptibility testing by minimum inhibitory concentration

(MIC) or disk diffusion test (Kirby-Bauer) will automatically be performed on all cultures
that are positive for pathogenic organisms where standards exist.

A. BLOOD CULTURES

The prompt and accurate isolation and identification of the etiological agents of bacteremia
and fungemia remain among the most important functions performed by the clinical
microbiology laboratory.

Ordering Practices:
1. No less than 2 sets of blood cultures should be ordered. Each set typically consists
of an aerobic bottle and an anaerobic bottle inoculated with blood from a single stick.
No more than 1 set (2 bottles) should be inoculated from that single stick.
Why? Blood culture contamination with Staph (coag neg), even with good
technique, is not uncommon. Collecting a minimum of 2 sets of cultures on
separate sticks helps identify when a contaminant is present.
2. Draw 4 sets when endocarditis is suspected, using 4 separate sticks. Draw the 4
culture sets over 2 separate days when antibiotics are not given immediately or draw the
4 cultures 30 minutes to an hour apart on the same day when antibiotics are to be given
that day.
Why? Most studies in literature indicate that between 2 or 4 culture sets are
sufficient to diagnose endocarditis
3. Draw 2 to 3 sets for all other cases of suspected sepsis using 2 or 3 separate sticks.
Why? For cases of suspected septicemia, 2 or 3 sets each drawn on separate
occasions are sufficient to detect bacteremia.
4. Time: Draw blood cultures at any time of day but not necessarily in relation to
fever. Do not write an order to draw blood culture for temperatures over 101o F (or
any other figure); order them to be done when you suspect sepsis.
 38
Why? When cultures are ordered in relation to a fever, they often don’t get drawn.
If infection is suspected, draw the culture then. Bacteremia probably occurs just
before the fever develops. That point is impossible to predict.
5. When trying to document persistent bacteremia after initial positive cultures, draw
no more than 2 culture sets using 2 separate sticks.
Why? Once bacteremia has been documented, you only need to draw 2 sets to
prove it has cleared. If already negative, draw no more.
6. Draw none when the fever persists, when the initial 4 sets of blood cultures drawn
over 2 or more days are negative, or when there is no change in the patient’s clinical
status.
Why? When the initial blood cultures are negative and the patient’s clinical status is
unchanged, additional cultures are unlikely to be positive.

Questions should be directed to: Tao Hong, PhD (Director of Microbiology), ext. 4854;
Frank Hollis (Microbiology Section Head), ext. 4859.

Order as: Culture, Blood - Microbiology Screen

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection:

Step 1: For adults and children > 2 months of age

Venipuncture site is cleansed with a chlorhexidine preparation for 30 seconds
using an up and down, side to side scrub procedure. Let dry for 30 seconds.
NOTE: The culture bottle stopper(s) must also be cleansed with a 70% alcohol
prep. Do not touch the cleansed venipuncture site with finger.

For children < 2 months of age

Venipuncture site is cleansed with iodophor. Let iodophor remain for 1 minute.
The site is then swabbed from the center to the periphery with a 70% alcohol
(isopropyl or ethyl). Blot the site dry with sterile gauze. NOTE: The culture bottle
stopper(s) must be cleansed with iodophor and a 70% alcohol prep. Do not
touch the cleansed venipucture site with finger.

STEP 2:
Adult: OPTIMAL draw: 10 ml of blood per 40 ml bottle
MINIMUM draw: 5 ml of blood per 40 ml bottle

Pediatric/adult low-volume draw: OPTIMAL draw: 4 ml of blood per 20 ml bottle

MINIMUM draw: 0.5 ml of blood per 20 ml bottle

Notes:
(1) Literature review states that high volume blood draw increases positive yield.
(2) For suspected sepsis, draw two to three sets from separate sticks. For suspected
endocarditis, draw 3-4 sets from separate sticks. No more than two sets from
separate sticks are required to document clearance of bacteremia.

STEP 3:Send labeled specimen(s) and computer generated form immediately to the
 39
laboratory.
Stat?: No, Drawn Stat only.
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time:
Preliminary Report:Issued after 24 and 48 hours incubation.
Final Report: Negative culture - Incubated for 5 days before being reported as
negative.
Final Report: Positive culture - When growth of an organism is observed it is
reported immediately to the nurse in charge of the patient (in-house) or the physician’s
office (outpatients).
Interpretation: Normal - no growth.

B. CULTURES FOR ROUTINE BACTERIA

Body fluids (Pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, synovial fluids)

Specimens such as these are usually collected via percutaneous needle aspiration. It is
essential that the overlying skin be disinfected thoroughly before the aspiration is performed
and that the collection procedure itself be done by strict aseptic technique. Since the
concentration of organisms in fluid may be low, there is the absolute need to collect and
submit as large a specimen sample as possible. Specimens that may clot due to presence of
blood or fibrin should be submitted in heparinized bottles.

Order as: Culture (body fluid)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: Approximately 50ml in a sterile heparinized
bottle. Transport directly to Microbiology Section.
Stat?: no
Weekends/Holidays: yes

Turnaround Time:
Preliminary Report on positive cultures - 24 hours.
Final Report - Approximately 24-96 hours (depending on organism isolated, may
take longer).
Interpretation: Normal: No growth
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Catheters

Intravascular catheters are an important potential source of bacteremia and fungemia as well
as local infectious complications at sites of catheter insertion. A 2 inch distal segment of
catheter should be submitted by aseptically clipping off the end of the catheter directly into
a screw cap, large mouth sterile container at the time the catheter is removed. Foley
catheter tips are unsatisfactory specimens for culture.

Order as: Culture (catheter)

Patient Preparation: None
 40
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: Place catheter tip in sterile container. Bring
immediately to laboratory.
Stat?: no
Weekend/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Time:
Preliminary report on positive cultures - 24 hours.
Final report - Approximately 24-72 hours (depending on organism isolated, may
take longer).
Interpretation: Normal: Negative

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CSF

Lumbar punctures must be performed under conditions of strict asepsis, since

contamination of the specimen can occur readily and confuse the identification of the
etiologic agent. The skin should be disinfected with povidone-iodine. Specimens should be
collected in sterile containers that can be sealed with a screw cap to preclude leakage and
loss or contamination of the contents. Deliver specimen immediately to the laboratory.

Order as: Culture (CSF)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 2-3 ml in a sterile screw-top tube.
Transport specimen directly to the Microbiology Section (day shift) or the Stat Lab
(evening and night shifts).
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time:
Preliminary report on positive cultures - 24 hours.
Final Report - 1-5 days depending on organism isolated, may take longer.
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ear

A dry culture swab (either cotton or synthetic fiber) may be used to swab the affected area
or drainage. Since this area has normal indigenous flora, one should be careful when
obtaining the specimen. When drainage occurs, allow the swab to absorb the secretions.
For the diagnosis of a middle ear infection, one should perform a tympanocentesis.

Order as: Culture (ear)

Patient Preparation: none
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: Swab affected area
Stat?: no
Weekend/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Times:
Preliminary report on positive cultures - 24 hours
Final report - Approximately 24-72 hours (depending on organism isolated, may
take longer).
 41
Interpretation: Normal: Non significant flora
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eye

Patients with ocular infections present specimen problems with respect to specimen
collection and processing. Swabs are often inadequate because of the small sample size. In
addition, the antimicrobial activity of topical anesthetics used when procuring eye
specimens may interfere with the culture. It is therefore recommended that swabs for
culture be taken before topical anesthetics are applied and that corneal scrapings be taken
after they are applied. Because of the limited amount of material available, it is
recommended that scrapings be inoculated at the time of procurement directly onto
appropriate media.

Order as: Culture (eye)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: Swab affected area with culturette
Stat?: no
Weekend/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Time:
Preliminary report on positive cultures – 24 hours.
Final report - 24-72 hours (depending on organism isolated, may take longer).
Interpretation: Normal: Non significant flora
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GC Culture

Order as: GC Culture

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: Urethral or cervical area swabbed with a
culturette or streaked directly onto chocolate plate or MTM (GC select agar). Bring
immediately to the Laboratory.
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 2 - 4 days
Interpretation: Normal - Negative for GC

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Genital

The major concern with this source is gonorrhea. In males, the microscopic observation of
intracellular diplococci resembling gonococci in a gram stained smear of a urethral
discharge is diagnostic. Obtaining an adequate specimen in female patients may present
greater problems. The presence of a cervical discharge is helpful in the diagnosis. However,
the gram stained smear obtained from such a discharge cannot be considered patholognomic
for gonorrhea, and cultures must be performed. Direct inoculation of Neisseria selective
medium, i.e., Thayer-Martin (TM) medium or its modification is advisable when inoculated
 42
agar can be transported to the laboratory immediately. Bacterial vaginosis is associated
with a thin, watery vaginal discharge, vaginal fluid pH of greater than 4.5, the presence of
aromatic amines in vaginal secretions, and the appearance of clue cells in the vaginal
discharge. Diagnosis is based on these characteristics of the discharge. Cultures for bacterial
vaginosis are of little value. Cultures for Group B streptococcus (GBS) are significant for
prenatal care.GBS colonization status should be determined by collecting both vaginal and
rectal specimens at 35 to 37 weeks gestation. A single combined vaginal-rectal specimen
can be collected. Cervical, perianal, perirectal, or perineal specimens are NOT acceptable,
and a speculum should NOT be used for culture collection, per 2010 CDC guidelines.
(Revised: 7/2012)

Order as: Culture, genital or Culture, genital group B

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: swab affected area with culturette; vaginal/rectal for GBS.
Stat?: no
Weekend/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Time:
Prelim. report on positive culture: 24 hours
Final report: 24-72 hours depending on organism isolated; may take
longer).
Interpretation: Normal: Non significant flora

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lower Respiratory Tract

Bronchial

Order as: Culture bronchoscopy specimen

Patient preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Pulmonologist-guided procedure. Specimen my be
collected as a lavage or wash depending on preference.
Rejection Criteria: None
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time:
Preliminary report on positive cultures – 24 hours
Final report – 24-72 hours (depending on organism isolated)
Interpretation: Normal: Non-significant flora

Bronchial Quantitative

This is a special requested procedure that must be coordinated with a pulmonologist and
the Microbiology lab. Please call ext. 4859 for details.

Order as: Culture Bronchial Lavage Quantitative

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: With the aid of a pulmonologist, the first aliquot (bronchial
 43
fraction) and the second aliquot (alveolar fraction) must be separated upon
collection and placed in properly labeled individual specimen containers.
Rejection Criteria: None
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time:
Preliminary report on positive cultures – 24 hours
Final report – 24-72 hours (depending on organism isolated)
Interpretation:
Normal: Non-significant flora
Positive: Greater than 10 x 5 – 10 x 6 CFU indicates infective organisms
Less than 10 x 4 CFU indicates colonizing organisms

Sputum

Cultures of expectorated sputum for bacteria are fraught with error, and clear cut results are
seldom obtained. Specimens should be fresh and clean, resulting from a deep cough. The
specimen must be transported to the laboratory promptly. Expectorated sputum is
frequently contaminated with oropharyngeal flora which make it difficult to determine
which of the organisms isolated is responsible for pulmonary infection.

Order as: Culture (sputum)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: Approximately 1-2ml. Should consist
of material from a deep cough; saliva is not a satisfactory specimen. Collect in a
dry, sterile container.
Rejection Criteria: Saliva contamination determined microscopically.
Stat?: no
Weekend/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Time:
Preliminary report on positive cultures - 24 hours.
Final report - 24-72 hours (depending on organism isolated, may take
longer).
Interpretation: Normal: Non significant flora

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nasopharyngeal

Nasopharyngeal specimens should be obtained with a dacron, cotton, or calcium alginate

swab on a flexible wire that is gently passed through the nose into the nasopharynx, rotated,
removed and placed into a suitable transport medium for shipment to the laboratory.
Bedside inoculation is advantageous especially for pertussis isolation.

ROUTINE NASOPHARYNEAL CULTURE

Order as: Culture (nasopharyngeal)
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Nasopharyngeal specimen on calcium alginate, cotton or dacron
 44
swab. Bring immediately to the laboratory.
Stat?: no
Weekend/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Time:
Preliminary report on positive cultures - 24 hours.
Final report - Approximately 24-72 hours (depending on organism isolated.)
Interpretation: Negative for pathogens

NASOPHARYNGEAL MRSA CULTURE - Nasopharyngeal cultures detect nasal

colonization of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to aid in the prevention
and control of MRSA infections in healthcare settings.

Order as: MRSA Screen Culture

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Nasopharyngeal specimen on calcium alginate, cotton or
dacron swab. Bring immediately to laboratory.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Final report on positive cultures – 24 hours
Final Report: 48 hours
Interpretation: Negative for MRSA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stool

Collection and preservation of feces is a frequently neglected but an important requirement

for the isolation of microorganisms responsible for intestinal infections. Specimens should
not remain on the floor for extended periods of time since certain organisms may not
survive and may be overwhelmed by commensal enteric organisms. Stool for ova and
parasites must be preserved in an EcoFix (green vial) system. This system provides for
fecal concentration methods and permanent stained slide preparations. Stool for routine
culture must be submitted in a Cary-Blair (orange vial) system. Cary-Blair acts as a
preservative for recovery of low numbers of potential pathogens. Swabs may be used to
obtain rectal specimens in selected circumstances. They should be passed beyond the anal
sphincter, carefully rotated, and withdrawn. Patients or personnel responsible for obtaining
stool specimens for laboratory analysis should be instructed explicitly to choose portions of
the specimen that are most likely to reveal the infectious agent(s) (mucous, blood, pus, etc.)
when present. A single negative stool culture or examination of ova and parasites cannot be
regarded as sufficient for ruling out a particular gastrointestinal pathogen. Most infectious
diarrheas will be diagnosed with careful and extensive evaluation of three stool specimens.
Similarly, after an etiological diagnosis has been made, microbiological surveillance of the
convalescent individual and of contacts who may have become a carrier should be
conducted at regular intervals until at least three consecutive negative specimens have been
obtained.

ROUTINE STOOL CULTURE

Order as: Culture (stool)
Includes: Routine screen includes: Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter. Other
 45
pathogens by request only (Yersinia, Vibrio, Aeromonas, E. coli O157).
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: random preserved stool specimen (orange-capped vial)

1. For acute diarrhea caused by enteric pathogenic bacteria, one specimen is

sufficient.
2. For chronic diarrhea caused by enteric pathogenic bacteria, 2 or 3 specimens
collected on different days are recommended.
3. For patients who develop diarrhea after 3 days of hospitalization, stool
culture and O&P are not recommended. Order C. difficile toxin analysis. The
Microbiology Section will not perform stool culture and/or stool O&P analysis
unless a negative C. difficile toxin analysis is documented.
Rejection Criteria: Specimens collected from patients after 3 days of hospitalization
will not be cultured without approval by the clinical pathologist or the Microbiology
supervisor. Improperly collected/preserved specimens are also subject to rejection.
Stat?: no
Weekend/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Time:
Preliminary report on positive culture: 48 hr
Final report: Approximately 24-72 hours(depending on organism isolated, may take
longer).
Interpretation: Normal: No enteric pathogens

VRE STOOL CULTURE – Stool specimens can be utilized to detect colonization of

vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE).

Order as: Culture Stool VRE

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection: Random preserved stool specimen (orange vial)
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holiday: Yes
Turnaround Time: 48 hours
Interpretation: No VRE isolated.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throat

Throat cultures should be obtained by direct visualization with a dacron, cotton or calcium
alginate swab. Both tonsillar areas, the posterior pharynx and any areas of inflammation,
ulceration or exudation should be sampled. When present, a portion of pseudomembrane
should be dislodged and submitted for culture. The tongue should be depressed with a
tongue blade or spoon to minimize contamination of the swab with oral secretions
detrimental to the quality of the specimen.

Order as: Culture (throat)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: Swab affected area with culturette.
Stat?: no
 46
Weekend/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Time:
Preliminary report on positive culture – 24 hours
Final report - 24-48 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Non significant flora
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Urine

Urinary tract infections may involve the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra, with the
urethra and bladder being the most commonly affected. Proper instruction of women
regarding the collection of clean catch, midstream specimens is critical to enhance the
accuracy of results from culture. Instruction of nursing personnel in the proper methods for
obtaining urine specimens from bedridden patients is also important. It has been shown in
prospective studies of out-patients that meatal cleansing nor midstream sampling is usually
necessary for obtaining urine specimens from men. It has also been shown that accurate
culture can be obtained from incontinent males if a new, but non-sterile external catheter
and drainage system are applied after the glans penis is cleaned with a povidone-iodine
solution and the first voided specimen is collected from the drainage bag. Urine is an
excellent growth medium for microorganisms. Specimens should be delivered to the
laboratory and cultured within one hour unless they are refrigerated.

Contamination of the urine by urethral or introital bacterial flora may be avoided by

suprapubic aspiration. It is indicated for patients with clinical evidence of urinary tract
infection but in whom bacterial counts in clean-voided specimens are low and therefore
indeterminate, in neonates and in young infants, in patients in whom catheterization may be
contraindicated, and in those with suspected anaerobic bacteremia. The patient should have
a full bladder at the time the procedure is performed. After the skin has been properly
disinfected, a 19 or 20 gauge needle attached to a syringe is passed through in the midline at
the point approximately one-third the distance from the symphysis pubis to the umbilicus.
Urine is aspirated into the syringe. In patients with chronic indwelling urethral catheters
attached to a closed drainage system, urine is collected for culture by disinfecting (with a
suitable agent) the wall of the catheter at it's juncture with the drainage tube and puncturing
it with a 21-gauge needle attached to a syringe for urine aspiration. The connection between
the catheter and the drainage tube should not be broken for specimen collection, nor should
material for culture be taken from the drainage bag. During the course of cystoscopy,
urethral catheterization or retrograde pyelography urine may be collected for culture. In the
case of an obstructed ureter, bladder urine may be sterile whereas the urine proximal to the
obstruction may be infected; hence, the urologist will often collect several specimens and
request that each be handled separately. Such localization studies require enumeration of
any bacteria present in cultures.

Order as: Culture (urine)

Patient Preparation: none
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: Approximately 25ml in a sterile urine
container. Urine should be cultured within 1 hour of collection. If this is not possible, the
specimen must be refrigerated. Urine preservataive collection devices are preferable,
 47
if available.
Stat?: no
Weekend/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Time:
Preliminary report on positive culture – 24 hours
Final report - Approximately 24-72 hours (depending on organism isolated, may take
longer).
Interpretation: Dependent on specific source, clinical condition of patient, organism
isolated and number of organisms isolated.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wounds (Wounds, tissue, abscesses, aspirates, and drainage specimens)

Microbiological analysis of specimens such as these often provide the only definitive
information on the etiology of a given infectious disease process. There are several rules
that usually apply to these types of specimens. Tissue or fluid obtained from a site
presumed to be involved on the basis of clinical grounds is always superior to swab
specimens. Swab specimens should be discouraged when more representative specimens
can be obtained. In general, the more specimen the better. There are circumstances,
however, when only a swab specimen can be obtained. In such cases, the swabs should be
used to extensively sample as representative a portion of the lesion as possible.

Order as: Culture (wound)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: Swab affected area with culturette or if
possible, aspirate material with a sterile syringe, and bring specimen directly to Laboratory.
Stat?: no
Weekend/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Time:
Preliminary report of positive culture – 24 hours
Final report - 24-72 hours (depending on organism isolated, may take longer)
Interpretation: Normal: No growth

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. ANAEROBE SPECIMEN COLLECTION AND TRANSPORT

Because anaerobes may be involved in infections at any body site, all specimens collected in
a manner to avoid contamination with the normal endogenous flora should be processed for
both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

Specimens that should not be cultured anaerobically are:

1. Throat or nasopharyngeal swabs

2. Gingival swabs
3. Expectorated sputum
 48
4. Sputum obtained by nasotracheal or orotracheal suction
5. Bronchoscopy specimens not collected by a protected, double-lumen catheter
6. Gastric and small bowel contents (except in "blind loop" and similar syndromes)
7. Large bowel contents,ileostomy, colostomy,stool (except suspected disease caused by
C. difficile or C.botulinum).
8. Voided and catheterized urines
9. Vaginal and cervical swabs
10. Surface material from decubitus ulcers, wounds, eschar, and sinus tracts
11. Material adjacent to skin or mucous membranes that has not been adequately
decontaminated

These types of specimens are determined to be inappropriate because:

a. These specimens predictably yield numerous isolates of unknown clinical significance.

b. The laboratory results may be misleading to the clinician.
c. Such added work is an unnecessary, costly burden on the resources of the patient and
laboratory.

Techniques for appropriate ways to collect cultures for anaerobic growth are summarized in
the accompanying table:

a. Central Nervous System

- Cerebrospinal fluid (especially when turbid)
- Abscess material
- Tissue biopsy
b. Dental area, ear, nose, throat, and sinuses
- Carefully aspirated or biopsy material from abscesses after surface decontamination
with povidone-iodine.
c. Pulmonary area
- Transtracheal aspiration
- Percutaneous lung puncture
- Thoracotomy specimen
- Bronchoscopic specimen obtained with protective, double-lumen catheter
d. Abdominal area
- Paracentesis fluid
- Needle and syringe aspiration of deep abscess under ultrasound or at surgery.
- Surgical specimen if not contaminated with intestinal flora
- bile
e. Female genital tract
- Laparoscopy specimens
- Surgical specimens
- Endometrial cavity specimen obtained with endometrial suction curette after cervical
os is decontaminated
f. Urinary tract
- Suprapubic aspirate of urine
g. Bone and joint
- Aspirate of joint (in suppurative arthritis)
 49
- Deep aspirate of drainage material after surgery (e.g., in osteomyelitis)
h. Soft Tissue
- Open wounds - deep aspirate of margin or biopsy of the depths of wound only after
careful surface decontamination with povidone-iodine
- Sinus tracts - aspiration by syringe and small plastic catheter after careful
decontamination of skin surface
- Deep abscess, anaerobic cellulitis, infected vascular gangrene, clostridial myonecrosis
- needle aspirate after surface decontamination
- Surgical specimens, including curettings and biopsy material
- Decubiti and other surface ulcers - thoroughly cleanse area with povidone-iodine by
surgical scrub technique; aspirate pus from deep pockets or obtain biopsy from deep
tissue at margin.

Whenever possible, specimens for anaerobic culture should be collected by aspiration with
a needle and syringe or tissue samples should be submitted. Although collection of
specimens with swabs are more convenient for medical personnel, such specimens are less
desirable. A specimen can be easily contaminated with organisms present on a skin or
mucosal surface, anaerobes are exposed to ambient oxygen, the specimen is subjected to
drying, a relatively small volume of specimen is collected and swabs are less satisfactory
than aspirates for the preparation of smears for direct microscopic examination.

Transport:

Successful recovery of anaerobic bacteria requires delivery of the specimen to the clinical
laboratory in a transport system that maintains a moist, anaerobic atmosphere. The speed
with which the specimen should be delivered to the laboratory depends in part on the
quantity of specimen collected. Larger volumes of material can remain relatively anaerobic
for a few hours, while tissue will also protect anaerobes from oxygen toxicity. Specially
designed anaerobic transport systems should be used for small samples of tissue, aspirated
fluids or specimens collected on swabs. Specimens should be maintained at room
temperature during transport because refrigeration can decrease the number of viable
organisms.

Summary

The above are a selection of the most common specimen types. Please call the
Microbiology Section at ext. 4859 with any questions regarding specimen collection or
source.

Patient preparation: See above narrative.

Specimen collection/minimum amount:
a. Fluids – 50 ml in heparinized bottle.
b. Tissue – 1 cm3 or whatever possible.
c. Culturette swab – not recommended.

Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
 50
Turnaround Time: 5 days (may take longer if positive)
Interpretation: Normal : No growth of anaerobes.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. SMEAR FOR GENERAL BACTERIAL STAIN

Note: Smears are routinely done on the following specimens (even if not specifically
ordered with the culture)
1. CSF
2. Body fluids
3. Eye
4. Lymph nodes
5. Sputum
6. Wounds
7. Tissue

Patient Preparation: None

Specimen Collection:
a) Using a sterile swab, make a smear of the affected area.
b) Let slide air-dry and send directly to the laboratory.
Stat?: Yes
Weekend/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Time: Stat - 60 minutes; Routine - 24 hours
Interpretation: Results interpreted by ordering physician

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

E. FUNGI CULTURE

Order as: Culture (fungus)

Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
All of the following specimens should be sent immediately to the Laboratory for
processing:
1. CSF - 2-3ml
2. Body Fluids - Approximately 50 ml in sterile heparinized bottle.
3. Stool- Not routinely performed- Contact Microbiology Section.
4. Ear - Not routinely performed- Contact Microbiology Section.
5. Eye - Swab affected area of eye with culturette or send corneal scrapings.
6. Lymph Node - Node should be placed in a dry, sterile container.
7. Mouth or Throat - Swab affected area with a culturette.
8. Sputum - Fresh morning specimen or purulent material - Collect approximately 1-3ml
of specimen consisting of material from a deep cough. Saliva is not a
satisfactory specimen. Collect in a dry, sterile container.
9. Urine - Approximately 25ml collected in a sterile urine container.
10. Genital - Swab affected area with a culturette
 51
11. Wound - Swab affected area with a culturette or aspirate purulent material into a
sterile tube.

Stat?: no
Weekend/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Time:
Negative Culture: Incubated for 4 weeks before being reported negative.
Positive Culture: Incubated for 1-4 weeks depending on growth rate of organism
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

F. FUNGAL SMEAR

Order as: KOH, India Ink - as applicable

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:

1. KOH - Limited to hair, nails or skin scrapings

a. Hair - Representative abnormal hairs removed with forceps and scalp scales collected
by scrapings
b. Skin - Scrape the active borders of the lesions with a scalpel or glass microscope slide
after wiping the affected area with an alcohol swab.
c. Nail - Scrape portion of affected area from the nail bed.

Notes:
1. All hair, skin and nail specimens should be placed in a sterile petri dish or a screw-top
container.
2. Muco-cutaneous sites (throat, vagina) requiring fungal smears can be examined for
Candida by the gram stain method. These specimens can be obtained by using a culture
swab over the affected area. Lymph node and tissue specimens can be examined for fungus
by utilizing special histological stains.

2. India Ink - CSF only, 2-3 ml. Collect as per CSF collection criteria

Stat?: Yes - India ink only

Weekend/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Time: Stat (India Ink) - 1 hour; Routine - 24 hours
Interpretation: Interpreted by ordering physician
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

G. T.B. CULTURES (AFB)

Order as: Culture (Acid Fast)

Includes: Smears are routinely done on all TB cultures. Suseptibility testing will be
performed on species specific isolates.
Patient Preparation: None
 52
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
1. CSF and other body fluids:
a. CSF - 2-3ml
b. Other body fluids - 50ml
c. Do not use culture swab

2. Stool - Not routinely performed - Contact Microbiology Section

3. Gastric - Necessary if patient is unable to provide sputum. Minimum of 3 specimens.

Specimen should be obtained before patient gets out of bed in the morning and after
fasting at least 8 hours. Specimen must be sent immediately to the laboratory and
must be processed within 4 hours.

4. Sputum - Early morning specimen - 5-10 ml in a sterile container. Note: Three (3)
single early morning specimens should be collected on successive days.

5. Tissue - (Including lymph nodes) Place specimen in a sterile container and send
immediately to the laboratory. Do not use culture swab.

6. Urine - Early morning or catheterized urine - 50 ml in a sterile container.

7. Blood - Collect specimen in Isolator 10.0 tube via venipuncture.

Rejection Criteria: Insufficient quantity.

Stat?: No
Note: An AFB smear will be performed stat if there is reasonable presumption of
active tuberculosis. This must be approved by the Chief of Microbiology or the
Microbiology section head
Weekend/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 6 weeks for culture; 24 hours for AFB smear
Interpretation: Normal - No growth of AFB.

Note: The ordering physician will be notified if specimen shows AFB on smears or growth
of AFB organisms.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

H. INTESTINAL PARASITES

Order as: Ova & Parasites

Includes: Specimens submitted in an EcoFix (green-vial) system will have a trichrome stain
performed.
Patient Preparation: Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
1. Purge - for diagnosis of amoeba
a. NPO after midnight
b. Fleets phospho-soda - 1 1/2 oz. followed with a glass of water
c. Patient may be ambulatory
d. Collect each stool specimen voided in a wide-mouth container and bring
 53
immediately to the Microbiology Section. The technologist will notify the Nursing Unit
when the specimen is satisfactory.
2. Casual - for diagnosis of round worms.

a. Formed stool is collected and transferred to an EcoFix (green vial) system

and brought directly to the laboratory.
b. For diarrhea caused by intestinal parasites, one negative stool O&P analysis
is insufficient to rule out parasitic infection. 3-5 stool specimens collected
on different days within one week are recommended.
c. For patients who develop diarrhea after three days of hospitalization, stool
culture and O&P analysis are not recommended. Order C. difficile toxin
analysis. The Microbiology Section will ;not perform stool culture and/or
stool O&P analysis unless a negative C. difficile toxin analysis is
documented.
Rejection criteria: Specimens collected from patients after 3 days of hospitalization will
not be processed without the approval of the clinical pathologist or Microbiology
supervisor. Improperly collected/preserved specimens are also subject to rejection.
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours - same day if ordered in AM
Interpretation: Normal: negative. Please note that this exam will NOT detect
Cryptosporidium, Microsporidium, Cyclospora or Isospora.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. BLOOD SMEARS FOR PARASITES

Order as: Malaria Smear

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 1 lavender top tube, or thin and thick smears.
Note: Specimen to be collected during febrile attack if possible. Send specimen to
laboratory immediately.
Stat?: Yes
Weekend/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 1 hour
Interpretation: Normal: negative
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

J. CRYPTOSPORIDIUM

Order as: Cryptosporidium Microbiology (alpha Browse)

Patient Preparation: See Intestinal Parasites.
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 48 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal - negative.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 54
K. PINWORM PREP

Order as: Pinworm

Patient Preparation/Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:

1. The specimen should be collected:

a. A few hours after the patient has retired for the evening.
b. First thing in the morning before a bowel movement or bath.

2. Use either a glass slide covered with scotch tape on both sides (sticky side out) or a
plastic pinworm paddle.

3. Press sticky surfaces against several areas in the perineal region.

4. The glass slide should then be placed in a petri dish; the pinworm paddle should be
placed in a tube or petri dish. Specimen must be brought directly to the
Microbiology Section. Avoid creating aerosols!

Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 20-30 minutes
Interpretation: Normal: negative

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

L. TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS PREP

Order as: Trichomonas (vaginal)

Patient Preparation: Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
1. Swab affected area and place swab in a tube of sterile saline (1-2 ml)
2. Specimen should be brought directly to the Laboratory for processing.
Stat?: Yes
Weekend/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 1 hour
Interpretation: Normal – Negative

VII. MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY TESTING

A. Monitoring Bone Marrow Transplantation

Order as: Chimerism Testing. Please contact Cancer Center bone marrow transplant
section for appropriate forms. Pre-transplant specimen must be submitted for analysis
before transplant. Post transplant analysis can be performed 30 days, 60, days and 90
days post-transplant. Analysis post 90 days can also be performed.
Patient Preparation/Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
1. Peripheral blood, bone marrow, unsorted analysis, 1 ml in lavender top tube.
2. For sorted cell analysis (CD3, CD15, 3 ml)
 55
3. Buccal specimen, use a swab to collect specimen. Do not brush hard when
collecting specimen. Minimum 4 swabs should be collected.
Specimen must be brought directly to the Molecular Diagnostics Section of the
Pathology Lab.
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 3-7 days
Interpretation: Percentage of donor/recipient cells present in peripheral blood, bone
marrow, or sorted cells.

B. Molecular Coagulation Panel

Order as: Molecular Gen-coag
Patient Preparation/Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Peripheral blood, in lavender top tube, 3 ml.
Specimen must be brought directly to the Molecular Diagnostics Section of the
Pathology Lab.
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 3-4 days
Interpretation: Mild type, heterozygous mutant, or homozygous mutant.

C. B & T cell Gene rearrangement

Order as: Gene rearrangement, please indicate T and/or B cell.
Patient Preparation/Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Peripheral blood/bone marrow, in lavender top tube, 3 ml.
Tissue, or paraffin block, 5 x 10 micron tissue sections, unbaked. Please contact
Dr. Hong at ext. 4854, or the Molecular Lab at ext. 4859.
Specimen must be brought directly to the Molecular Diagnostics Section of the
Pathology Lab.
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 3-4 days
Interpretation: Polyclonal or monoclonal B and/or T cell population.

D. BCR-ABL PCR
Order as: BCR-ABL PCR
Patient Preparation/Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Peripheral blood/bone marrow, in lavender top tube, 3 ml.
Specimen must be brought directly to the Molecular Diagnostics Section of the
Pathology Lab.
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 2 days
Interpretation: Positive or negative for PCR-ABL translocation(with specific type of
translocation indicated).
 56
E. BCR ABL FISH
Order as: BCR-ABL or t( 9:22) FISH
Patient Preparation/Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Peripheral blood/bone marrow, in lavender top tube, 3 ml.
Tissue, or paraffin block, 4 micron tissue sections, unbaked. Please contact Dr.
Tao Hong at ext. 4854, or the Molecular Lab at ext. 4859.
Specimen must be brought directly to the Molecular Diagnostics Section of the
Pathology Lab.
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 1-2 days
Interpretation: Positive or negative for PCR-ABL translocation.

F. PML-RARA FISH
Order as: PML-RARA or t(15:17)
Patient Preparation/Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Peripheral blood/bone marrow, in lavender top tube, 3 ml.
Specimen must be brought directly to the Molecular Diagnostics Section of the
Pathology Lab.
Stat?: Yes (please contact Dr. Hong at ext. 4854 or the Molecular Lab at ext. 4859, if
Stat is requested)
Weekend/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 1-2 days
Interpretation: Positive or negative for PML-RARA translocation.

G. PML-RAR PCR
Order as: PML-RARA (t15:17) PCR
Patient Preparation/Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Peripheral blood/bone marrow, in lavender top tube, 3 ml.
Specimen must be brought directly to the Molecular Diagnostics Section of the
Pathology Lab.
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 2 days
Interpretation: Positive or negative for PML-RARA translocation.

H. C-MYC FISH
Order as: c-MYC FISH
Patient Preparation/Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Peripheral blood/bone marrow, in lavender top tube, 3 ml.
Tissue, or paraffin block, 4 micron tissue sections, unbaked. Please contact Dr.
Hong at 4854 or the molecular Lab at 4859.
Specimen must be brought directly to the Molecular Diagnostics Section of the
Pathology Lab.
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 1-2 days
 57
Interpretation: Positive or negative for translocation of 8q24..

I. 11-14 Translocation, FISH

Order as: t(11-14) FISH
Patient Preparation/Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Peripheral blood/bone marrow, in lavender top tube, 3 ml.
Tissue, or paraffin block, 4 micron tissue sections, unbaked. Please contact Dr.
Hong at x4854 or the molecular Lab at 4859.
Specimen must be brought directly to the Molecular Diagnostics Section of the
Pathology Lab.
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 1-2 days
Interpretation: Positive or negative for IGH/CCND1 t(11:14) translocation.

J. t(14-18) , FISH
Order as: 14-18 translocation FISH
Patient Preparation/Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Peripheral blood/bone marrow, in lavender top tube, 3 ml.
Tissue, or paraffin block, 4 micron tissue sections, unbaked. Please contact Dr.
Hong at x4854 or the molecular Lab at 4859.
Specimen must be brought directly to the Molecular Diagnostics Section of the
Pathology Lab.
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 1-2 days
Interpretation: Positive or negative for t(14:18) translocation

K. Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis PCR

Order as: Bordetella pertussis PCR
Patient Preparation/Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
The acceptable specimens are: two extra fine nasopharyngeal swabs or nasal-
pharyngeal aspiration.
Swab material should be Dacron or synthetic-polyester NP swab, calcium
alginate swab is not acceptable (inhibitory to PCR).
To take the specimen, immobilize the patient’s head and gently pass the swab
through the nostril into the nasopharynx. Immediately place one swab into tube
containing sterile saline and emulsify. Immerse the second swab completely into
the tube containing the semisolid transport media. Leave the swab immersed in
the media for transport
Specimen must be brought directly to the Molecular Diagnostics Section of the
Pathology Lab..
Stat?: Yes. Please contact molecular diagnostics section at ext. 4859
Weekend/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 1-2 days
Interpretation: Positive or negative for B. pertussis/parapertussis.
 58
L. Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB) PCR
Order as: TB PCR
. Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
1. Bronchial lavage: 5-10 ml.
2 Sputum - Early morning specimen - 5-10 ml in a sterile container. Note: Three (3)
single early morning specimens should be collected on successive days.
3. Tissue - (Including lymph nodes) Place specimen in a sterile container and send
immediately to the laboratory. Do not use culture swab.
Rejection Criteria: Insufficient quantity.
Stat?: Yes, please contact Dr. Hong at ext. 4854 or Molecular lab at ext. 4859 if stat is
requested
Weekend/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 1 day
Interpretation: Positive or negative for M. tuberculosis

M. 16S rDNA sequencing for Bacterial detection/ identification

Please contact Dr. Hong at 4854 or the molecular lab at ext. 4859 if this procedure is
requested.

N. Her2/Neu gene amplification FISH

Order as: Her2/neu FISH
Patient Preparation/Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Breast cancer tissue, 4 micron section, unbaked.
An H&E stained section should also be submitted
Specimen must be brought directly to the Molecular Diagnostics Section of the
Pathology Lab.
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time:7 days
Interpretation: Postivie or negative for Her1/neu gene amplification.

O. K-RAS gene mutation

Order as: K-RAS gene mutation
Patient Preparation/Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Lung/colon cancer tissue, 10 micron section, unbaked.
An H&E stained section should also be submitted
Specimen must be brought directly to the Molecular Diagnostics Section of the
Pathology Lab.
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time:7 days
Interpretation: Positive or negative for mutations in codon 12 and 13.
 59
VIII. SURGICAL PATHOLOGY SPECIMENS

In-Patients: Order specimens for surgical pathology examination in the hospital computer
system or complete a Tissue Examination Card (available from Distribution, HUMC
inventory # 5020126). A completed computer-generated form or card must accompany
every specimen or the specimen will not be accepted in the Laboratory.

Out-patients: Complete a TotaLab requisition form (available from the Pathology Outreach
Office, 201-996-4881) to accompany the specimen.

ALL SPECIMEN CONTAINERS MUST BE TIGHTLY SEALED TO PREVENT

LEAKAGE AND CLEARLY LABELED WITH PATIENT IDENTIFICATION.
THE ACCOMPANYING FORM/CARD MUST INCLUDE:
1. PATIENT IDENTIFICATION,
2. SPECIMEN SOURCE,
3. RELEVANT DIAGNOSIS & DATA,
4. TYPE OF PROCEDURE PERFORMED,
5. REASON FOR THE TEST.
THE FORM/CARD MUST BE FREE FROM BLOOD/BODY FLUID
CONTAMINATION.

NOTE: The pathologist may order additional testing as necessary for specimen diagnosis.

1. ROUTINE HISTOPATHOLOGY SPECIMENS:

Any surgical specimen which is considered “routine” should be placed in an appropriate-

sized container with 10% neutral buffered formalin. Various sized containers are available
from Histology. Routine specimens will be picked up on the service by the Histology
courier on their scheduled rounds.

STAT specimens should be delivered by the service directly to the Histology Section:

Mon – Fri : all shifts; Saturday/Sunday: 6am - 1pm.

Specimens should always be handed directly to a tech; never leave a specimen

unattended. If the Histology room is unattended, deliver the specimen to the Stat Lab
accessioning area.

2. HISTOPATHOLOGY SPECIMENS REQUIRING SPECIAL HANDLING:

Non-routine procedures and/or specimens requiring special handling should be

scheduled with the O.R. between 8 AM and 12 noon.

Type of Specimen Handling Requirements

Lymph nodes with potential Place portion of specimen in RPMI for Flow
hematologic disorder or Cytometry. The remainder in formalin.
malignancy (exclude known
metastatic carcinomas)
 60
Kidney biopsy (Schedule Mon – Notify Pathology (x 4840 or 4870) after
Fri) procedure has been scheduled with the O.R.
Muscle or Nerve biopsy Place specimen fresh in saline-moistened
(Schedule Mon-Tues- Wed only) gauze and send immediately to Histology.

Notify Pathology (x 4840 or 4870) after

Tissue for Immunofluorescence: procedure has been scheduled with the O.R.
i.e. Skin, Lung, other tissue Place specimen fresh in saline-moistened
gauze and send immediately to Histology
Tissue for Cytogenetics Studies Submit specimen fresh. Indicate on surgical card
that the specimen needs “cytogenetics studies”
Tissue for Microbiology Culture Remove a representative portion under
sterile technique and place in a sterile
container.
Order the specimen in the hospital
computer system (under “Microbiology”).
Send the labeled sterile container to
Microbiology with a computer-generated
“Clinician Obtained Specimen” form.
If one piece of specimen is for BOTH
Microbiology and Surgical Pathology
processing, place it in a sterile container and
send to Microbiology first. You must include
paperwork requesting both microbiological and
histopathological testing.
Tissue Procurement/Research Schedule cases in advance with Pathology ext.
3424.
Applicable protocol with IRB approval
must be sent to Pathology prior to specimen
receipt.
Submit specimen FRESH, immediately
upon removal to the Link OR Frozen Section
Room.
Hormone Receptor Studies Place tissue in adequate amount of 10%
(i.e. Estrogen or Progesterone formalin ASAP or send for frozen section if
Receptors on Breast or other necessary.
tissue) All surgical specimens that are diagnosed
by a pathologist as invasive breast cancer will
have a Breast Cancer Profile (includes
Hormone receptors, Ki67, p53, Her-2/neu)
performed.
For Breast Cancer Profile requests on a
previously submitted specimen or on an out-
side case, complete an “Additional Test Form”
(available from Pathology at X 4808)
 61
Foreign bodies Submit specimen fresh.
(i.e. swallowed or imbedded
objects)
Breast implants Submit specimen fresh.
Orthopedic hardware Submit specimen fresh.
Bone Marrow Aspirate: Submit in RPMI
Biopsy: Submit in B Plus
Kidney stones/ Gall stones for Submit specimen fresh.
chemical analysis
Other specimens A specimen normally considered “routine” may
have extenuating circumstances that require special
handling. If in doubt, please consult a Pathologist
prior to specimen collection or fixation ( call ext.
4808). After 7 PM, have the operator page the
anatomic pathologist on call).

3. SPECIMENS EXEMPTED FROM MANDATORY SUBMISSION TO PATHOLOGY

IT IS NOT REQUIRED TO SEND THESE SPECIMENS TO THE LABORATORY. However,

at the physician’s request, they may be submitted to Pathology for examination. While non-
submitted specimens are routinely disposed of by the surgical staff into Regulated Medical Waste
containers on the unit, the specimen(s) may be released by the surgical staff for approved
research protocols. In such cases, a written consent MUST be in the patient chart.

Tissue Specimens
Bone donated to the bone bank.
Cataracts removed by phacoemulsification.
Fat removed by liposuction.
Foreskin from circumcisions of newborns.
Middle ear ossicles.
Placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies that appear normal at time of delivery (do not
meet institutionally specified criteria for examination).
Vein segments harvested for coronary artery bypass.
Skin or other normal tissue removed during a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure (e.g.,
Abdominoplasty, blepharoplasty, brachioplasty, cleft palate repair, rhytidectomy, syndactyly
repair, thigh/face lift skin), provided it is not contiguous with a lesion and the patient
does not have a history of malignancy. Exception: breast tissue / breast skin should be
sent to Pathology.
Teeth when there is no attached soft tissue.
Normal toenails and fingernails that are incidentally removed.
Cosmetic scars unless related to a malignancy.

NON - Tissue Specimens

Dental appliances.
Foreign bodies such as bullets or other medicolegal evidence given directly to law
enforcement personnel.
 62
Medical devices such as catheters, gastrostomy tubes, myringotomy tubes, stents, and sutures
that have not contributed to patient illness, injury or death
Orthopedic hardware and other radio-opaque mechanical devices provided there is an
alternative policy for documentation of their surgical removal.
Therapeutic radioactive sources (to be disposed of by the HUMC Radiation Safety Office)

4. SPECIMENS THAT CAN BE ORDERED AS “GROSS EXAMINATION ONLY”

IT IS REQUIRED TO SEND THESE SPECIMENS TO THE LABORATORY.

Tissue Specimens
Accessory digits.
Bunions and hammertoes.
Extraocular muscle from corrective surgical procedures (e.g., strabismus repair).
Nasal bone and cartilage from rhinoplasty or septoplasty.
Umbilical hernia sacs in children.
Varicose veins.

NON - Tissue Specimens

Calculi
Foreign bodies (unless given directly to law enforcement)
Synthetic graft material
Prosthetic cardiac valves without attached tissue.
Breast implants
Penile prostheses

IX. PATIENT REQUESTS FOR LABORATORY SPECIMENS:

Laboratory specimens that cannot be rendered non-infectious by heat or chemical sterilization or

which have been saturated with hazardous chemicals (such as formalin) will not be released
directly to the patient. These include, but are not limited to, body tissue and organs, gallstones,
calculi, placentas, breast implants with attached tissue, blood and body fluids etc. These items are
considered regulated medical waste by the New Jersey EPA and, as such, pose a potential hazard
to the patient. The Medical Center is legally responsible for the appropriate handling and
disposition of such items.

Specimens that can be rendered non-infectious by heat or chemical sterilization (such as orthopedic
hardware, certain foreign bodies, etc.) can be safely released to the patient.

With the written authorization of a patient or guardian, certain specimens may be released to a
funeral director, manufacturer, outside laboratory, private physician or other parties deemed
acceptable by the Department in consult with the HUMC Legal Office. Such requests must be
received in Pathology within the timeframe of specimen retention established by the Department.

References: HUMC Infection Control Policy 703-12: Waste Management

HUMC Administrative Policy 1511: Patient Requests for Specimens
 63
X. REFLEXIVE TESTING

There are certain tests which, if abnormal, will result in the ordering and performing of
additional tests and/or interpretations to clarify the diagnosis. These are called
REFLEXIVE TESTS. These additional tests will generate additional charges.

These tests include:

1. Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology specimens (Immunohistochemistry, Flow
Cytometry, FISH, Molecular studies, Cytogenetic studies, In-Situ hybridization)
2. Positive Microbiology Testing
3. Positive Antibody Tests
4. Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis C
5. Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
6. Positive STS
7. Positive Cryptococcal Antigen
8. Routine Urinalysis
9. CBC, Abnormal
10. Positive Antinuclear Antibody Tests
11. Positive HIV Test
12. Blood Bank Antibody Screen
13. DAT (Direct Coombs)
14. Direct LDL on Lipid Panel Triglyceride values greater than 400 mg/dl
15. PAP smears with ASCUS diagnosis

Test Ordered on Initial Test Criteria for Reflex Test Ordered by CPT code to
Requisition Performed Reflex be billed
BLOOD BANK
ABORh Type ABORh Type When Rh is Neg Weak D 86901
AB Screen Ab Screen Positive Abscn ABID 86870
Ab Screen Ab Screen Positive Autocontrol DAT 86880
Ab Screen Ab Screen Positive Abscn Ab Titers 86886
ABORh Type ABORh Type Blood type can’t be Cold Abscn (4°) 86850
determine
AB Screen AB ID Positive Abscn Ag Screen - Units 86903
AB Screen AB ID Positive Abscn Ag Typing – Patient 86905
(only on sickle
patients)
AB Screen AB ID Positive Abscn Warm 86870
AutoAdsorption
DAT DAT Positive DAT Eluate 86860

CHEMISTRY
HDL/LDL LDL > 400 mg/dl LDL DIRECT 83721
HBs Ag HBs Ag Positive Confirmation 87341
Footnoted
HEP C HEP C Positive Hep C RIBA 86804
UA UA Positive for and/all UA M Cancel
 64
U BLOOD 81003 add
U NITRITE 81001
U PROTEIN
U LEUK EST or
U APPEARANCE -
other than clear
STS STS Positive * STS/VDRL 86593
and FTS ABS 86781

HEMATOLOGY
ANA ANA Positive ANA TITER 86039
SCREEN
CBC CBC BLAST FLAG DIFF 85007
CBC with Auto CBC with Automated Diff not Manual Differential No charge
Differential Auto-Diff valid due to
instrument limitation
Hemoglobin Electro. HGB ELEC Abnormal Band ACID HGB 83020
ELECTRO
HGB ELEC Sickle Band ACID HGB 83020
ELECTRO AND 85660
SICKLE
HGB ELEC A2 Band Increased HB A2 QUAN 83020
HGB ELEC Increased F Band KBK 85460
LA PROFILE with PT, PTT ,TT HIGH PT PT MS 86511
Clinical Interp
DRVVT HIGH PTT PTT, MS 85732
PT Does Not Correct FII, 85210
V, 85220
VII, 85230
X 85260
PTT Does Not FVIII, 85240
Correct IX, 85250
XI, 85270
XII 85280
LYME IGG/M LYME Positive LYME WESTERN 86617
IGG/M BLOT
ELISA
PFA 100 COLL/EPI IF Abnormal COLL/ADP 85576
Sickle SICKLE Positive HGB ELEC 83020

CYTOLOGY
Thinprep Pap on Reflex Pap smear diagnosis of High risk HPV Testing 87621
HPV DNA Test atypical squamous cells
of undetermined
significance

VIROLOGY
HIV-1/2 Ab Screen Positive Western Blot and/or 86689
HIV-2 86702
 65
MICROBIOLOGY
Cryptococcal Antigen Positive results Cryptococcal titer 86313
Fungal Culture Positive results Slide culture 87107
Yeast ID 87106
Source Culture Positive results Susceptibility testing 87186 or
87184
Source Culture Anaerobe ID 87076
Source Culture EHEC 87335
Source Culture Sal/Shig screen 87147x2
Source Culture Misc. testing as per 87077x10
organism
 66
XI. PEDIATRIC REFERENCE RANGES: CHEMISTRY AND HEMATOLOGY

Age specific reference ranges are reported with laboratory test results whenever applicable.

ALPHA INDEX

Test Page
ALBUMIN 69
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE 69
ALT 69
AMYLASE 70
AST 68
BILIRUBIN, DIRECT 70
BILIRUBIN, TOTAL 69
BUN 67
CALCIUM 68
CHLORIDE 67
CO2 68
CREATININE 67
ERYTHROCYTE COUNT (RBC) 71
GGTP 69
GLUCOSE 67
HEMATOCRIT 71
HEMOGLOBIN 71
LD 69
LEUKOCYTE COUNT (WBC) 71
MAGNESIUM 70
MCH (MEAN CELL HEMOGLOBIN) 72
MCHC (MEAN CELL 72
HEMOGLOBIN CONCENTRATION)
MCV (MEAN CELL VOLUME) 72
PHOSPHORUS 70
PLATELET COUNT 73
POTASSIUM 67
RBC (ERYTHROCYTE COUNT) 71
RDW (RED CELL DISTRIBUTION 73
WIDTH)
RETICULOCYTE COUNT 73
SODIUM 67
TOTAL PROTEIN 68
URIC ACID 70
WBC (LEUKOCYTE COUNT) 73
WBC DIFFERENTIAL (Absolute) 74
WBC DIFFERENTIAL (Relative, %) 74
 67
HUMC DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY
PEDIATRIC REFERENCE RANGES FOR CHEMISTRY

REFERENCE-PEDIATRIC REFERENCE RANGES BY SOLDIN ET AL. 1997

INSTRUMENT: Ortho Diagnostics VITROS
POPULATION-HEALTHY CHILDREN UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED.

GLUCOSE MALE AND FEMALE

AGE MG/DL

0-1MONTH 55-115
1-6MONTH 57-117
6MO-18YRS 70-126

BUN MALE AND FEMALE

AGE MG/DL

0-3YRS 5-17
4-13YRS 7-17
14-18YRS 8-21

CREATININE HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS

MALE AND FEMALE
AGE MG/DL

0-1WK 0.6-1.1
1WK-1MO 0.3-0.7
1MO-1YR 0.2-0.4
1-18YRS 0.2-0.7

SODIUM HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS

MALE AND FEMALE
AGE MMOL/L

0-7DAYS 133-146
7-31DAYS 134-144
1-6MONTHS 134-142
6MO-1YR 133-142
1YR-18YRS 134-143

POTASSIUM HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS

MALE AND FEMALE
AGE MMOL/L

0-1WK 4.0-6.0
1WK-1MO 4.0-6.0
1-6MO 3.5-5.6
6MO-1YR 3.5-6.1
1YR-18YRS 3.5-5.2
CHLORIDE HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS
MALE AND FEMALE
AGE MMOL/L

0-1WK 96-111
1WK-1MONTH 96-110
1-6MO 96-110
6MO-1YR 96-108
1YR-18YRS 96-109
 68
HUMC DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY
PEDIATRIC REFERENCE RANGES FOR CHEMISTRY

CO2 HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS

MALE AND FEMALE
AGE MMOL/L

0-1WK 17-26
1WK-1MO 17-27
1-6MO 17-29
6MO-1YR 18-29
1YR-18YRS 20-31

CALCIUM MALE AND FEMALE

AGE MG/DL

0-1 WK 7.9-10.7
1 WK-3YRS 8.7-9.8
4-6YRS 8.8-10.1
7-9YRS 8.8-10.1
10-11YRS 8.9-10.1
12-13YRS 8.8-10.6
14-15YRS 9.2-10.7
16-18YRS 8.9-10.7

TOTAL PROTEIN MALE AND FEMALE

AGE G/DL

0-5DAYS 5.4-7.0
5 DAYS-3YRS 5.9-7.0
4-6YRS 5.9-7.8
7-9YRS 6.2-8.1
10-18YRS 6.3-8.6

ALBUMIN MALE AND FEMALE

AGE G/DL

0-5DAYS(>2.5KG) 2.6-3.6
5 DAYS-3YRS 3.4-4.2
4-6YRS 3.5-5.2
7-9YRS 3.7-5.6
10-18YRS 3.7-5.6

AST
AGE U/L
MALE FEMALE

0-3YRS 20-60 20-60

4-6YRS 15-50 15-50
7-9YRS 15-40 15-40
10-11YRS 10-60 10-40
12-13YRS 15-40 10-30
14-15YR 15-40 10-30
16-18YR 15-45 5-30
 69
HUMC DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY
PEDIATRIC REFERENCE RANGES FOR CHEMISTRY

ALT
AGE U/L
MALE FEMALE

0-3YRS 5-45 5-45

4-6 10-25 10-25
7-9 10-35 10-35
10-11 10-35 10-30
12-13 10-55 10-30
14-15 10-45 5-30
16-18 10-40 5-35

ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE
AGE U/L
MALE FEMALE

0-3YRS 145-320 145-320

4-6 150-380 150-380
7-9 175-420 175-420
10-11 135-530 130-560
12-13 200-495 105-420
14-15 130-525 70-230
16-18 65-260 50-130

LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE (LD)

AGE U/L
MALE FEMALE

0-3YRS 500-920 500-920

4-6 470-900 470-900
7-9 420-750 420-750
10-11 432-700 380-700
12-13 470-750 380-640
14-15 360-730 390-580
16-18 340-670 340-670

GGTP
AGE U/L
MALE FEMALE

0-3YRS 6-19 6-19

4-6 10-22 10-22
7-9 13-25 13-25
10-11 17-30 17-28
12-13 17-44 14-25
14-15 12-33 14-26
16-18 11-34 11-28
BILIRUBIN, TOTAL
MALE AND FEMALE
AGE MG/DL

0-1 DAY 0 - 5.8

1-2 DAYS 0 - 8.2
3-5 DAYS 0 - 11.7
5 DAYS-18YRS 0 - 1.0
 70

HUMC DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY

PEDIATRIC REFERENCE RANGES FOR CHEMISTRY

BILIRUBIN, DIRECT (Conjugated)

MALE AND FEMALE
AGE MG/DL

0-6DAYS 0-0.6
7DAYS-18YRS 0-0.4

AMYLASE
MALE AND FEMALE
AGE U/L

0-18YRS 30-100

MAGNESIUM
AGE MALE AND FEMALE
MG/DL

NEWBORN 0-6DAYS 1.2-2.6

NEWBORN 7-30DAYS 1.6-2.4
1MO-1YEAR 1.6-2.6
1-2 YEARS 1.6-2.6
2-6 YEARS 1.5-2.4
6-10YEARS 1.6-2.3
10-14YEARS 1.6-2.2
14-18YEARS 1.5-2.3

PHOSPHORUS
MALE AND FEMALE
AGE MG/DL

0-5DAYS 4.6-8.0
6 DAYS-3YRS 3.9-6.5
4-6 4.0-5.4
7-9 3.7-5.6
10-11 3.7-5.6
12-13 3.3-5.4
14-15 2.9-5.4
16-18 2.8-4.6
URIC ACID
AGE MG/DL
MALE FEMALE

0-3YRS 1.8-5.0 1.8-5.0

4-6 2.2-4.7 2.2-4.7
7-9 2.0-5.0 2.0-5.0
10-11 2.3-5.4 3.0-4.7
12-13 2.7-6.7 3.0-5.8
14-15 2.4-7.8 3.0-5.8
16-18 4.0-8.6 3.0-5.9
 71
HUMC DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY
PEDIATRIC REFERENCE RANGES FOR HEMATOLOGY

REFERENCE-CLINICAL GUIDE TO LABORATORY TESTS; TIETZ

INSTRUMENT-COULTER STKS
POPULATION-HEALTHY CHILDREN

HEMATOCRIT

AGE PER CENT (%)

0-1MO 41-65
1-2MO 33-55
2-4MO 28-42
4-6MO 32-44
6-9MO 31-41
9-12MO 32-40
1YR-3YR 32-40
3-6 YR 32-42
6-9 YR 33-41
9-12YR 34-43
12-15 YR Male 35-45
Female 34-44
15-17 YR Male 37-48
Female 34-44
HEMOGLOBIN

AGE G/DL

0-1 MO 13.4-19.8
1-2 MO 10.7-17.1
2-4 MO 9.4-13.0
4-6 MO 10.3-14.1
6-9 MO 11.1-14.1
9-12MO 11.4-14.0
1-3 YRS 11.0-14.0
3-6 YRS 11.0-14.0
6-9 YRS 11.5-14.5
9-12YRS 12.0-15.0
12-15YRS Male 12.0-16.0
Female 11.5-15.0
15-17YRS Male 11.7-16.6
Female 11.7-15.3
RBC - ERYTHROCYTE COUNT
AGE X10^6CELLS/MICROL

0-1MO 3.9-5.9
1-2MO 3.3-5.3
2-4MO 3.5-5.1
4-6MO 3.5-5.1
6-9MO 3.9-5.5
9-12MO 4.0-5.3
1-3 YRS 3.8-4.8
3-6 YRS 3.7-4.9
6-9 YRS 3.8-4.9
9-12YRS 3.9-5.1
12-15YRS Male 4.1-5.2
Female 3.8-5.0
15-17 YRS Male 4.2-5.6
Female 3.9-5.1
 72
HUMC DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY
PEDIATRIC REFERENCE RANGES FOR HEMATOLOGY

MCV - MEAN CELL VOLUME

AGE fL

0-1 MO 88-140
1-2 MO 91-112
2-4 MO 84-106
4-6 MO 76-97
6-9 MO 68-85
9-12MO 70-85
1-3 YR 70-84
3-6 YR 73-85
6-9 YR 75-87
9-12 YR 76-90
12-15 YR Male 77-94
Female 73-95
15-17 YR Male 79-95
Female 78-98
MCH - MEAN CELL HEMOGLOBIN

AGE PG/CELL

0-1 MO 30-37
1-2 MO 29-36
2-4 MO 27-34
4-6 MO 25-32
6-9 MO 24-30
9-12MO 25-30
1-3 YR 22-33
3-6 YR 25-31
6-9 YR 25-31
9-12YR 26-32
12-15 YR Male 26-32
Female 26-32
15-17 YR Male 27-32
Female 27-32

MCHC - MEAN CELL HEMOGLOBIN CONCENTRATION

AGE G HGB/DL

0-1 MO 28-35
1-2 MO 28-36
2-4 MO 28-35
4-6 MO 29-37
6-9 MO 32-37
9-12MO 32-37
1-3 YR 32-38
3-6 YR 32-37
6-9 YR 32-37
9-12YR 32-37
12-15YR Male 32-37
Female 32-36
15-17 YR Male 32-36
Female 32-36
 73
HUMC DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY
PEDIATRIC REFERENCE RANGES FOR HEMATOLOGY

RDW - RED CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH

AGE PER CENT (%)

0-6 MO 14.9-18.7
>6 MO 11.5-14.5
PLATELET COUNT
AGE X103/MICROL

ADULT AND PEDIATRIC 135-430

WBC - LEUKOCYTE COUNT

AGE X10^3CELLS/MICROL

0-7 DAYS 9-30.0

7-30DAYS 5-20.0
1-2 MO 6-17.5
2-4 MO 6-17.5
4-6 MO 6-17.5
6-9 MO 6-17.5
9-12MO 6-17.5
1-3 YR 6-17.5
3-6 YR 5.5-15.5
6-9 YR 4.5-13.5
9-12YR 4.5-13.5
12-15YR 4.5-13.0
15-17YR 4.5-13.0

RETICULOCYTE COUNT

AGE PERCENT

0-1 MO 0.2-2.0
1-2 MO 0.4-4.8
2-4 MO 0.3-3.6
4-6 MO 0.2-2.8
6-9 MO 0.2-2.8
9-12MO 0.2-2.8
1-3 YR 0.4-1.8
3-6 YR 0.4-1.8
6-9 YR 0.4-1.8
9-12YR 0.4-1.8
12-15YR 0.5-1.5
15-17YR 0.5-1.5
 74
HUMC DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY
PEDIATRIC REFERENCE RANGES FOR HEMATOLOGY

WHITE CELL DIFFERENTIAL - X103CELLS/MICROL

AGE NEUT(TOTAL) EOS BASO LYMPHS MONOS

0-1MO 1.8-5.4 0-0.9 0-0.2 2.8-9.0 0-1.7

1-2MO 1.8-5.4 0-0.9 0-0.2 2.8-9.0 0-1.7
2-4MO 1.8-5.4 0-0.9 0-0.2 2.8-9.0 0-1.7
4-6MO 1.8-5.4 0-0.9 0-0.2 2.8-9.0 0-1.7
6-9MO 1.0-8.5 0-0.3 0-0.2 4.0-13.5 0-0.6
9-12MO 1.0-8.5 0-0.3 0-0.2 4.0-13.5 0-0.6
1-3YR 1.5-8.5 0-0.7 0-0.2 3.0-9.5 0-1.0
3-6YR 1.5-8.5 0-0.7 0-0.2 2.0-8.0 0-0.8
6-9YR 1.5-8.0 0-0.7 0-0.2 1.5-7.0 0-0.8
9-12YR 1.8-8.0 0-0.6 0-0.2 1.5-6.5 0-0.8
12-15YR 1.8-8.0 0-0.6 0-0.2 1.5-6.5 0-0.8
15-17YR 1.8-7.7 0-0.5 0-0.2 1.0-4.8 0-0.8

WHITE CELL DIFFERENTIAL-RELATIVE (%)

Extrapolated from Pediatric Reference Ranges by Soldin, Brugnara,

Gunter, and Hicks 7/13/01
Eosinophils
Age value (%)
All 0-5%
Neutrophils
Age Value (%)
1-7 days 25-70
7-30 days 15-60
30-180 days 15-55
6 mo-3yrs 20-70
3-6yrs 30-75
6-12 yrs 40-75
12-17 yrs 40-75
Basophils
Age value (%)
All 0-2%
Monocytes
Age Value (%)
All 0-10%
Lymphocytes
Age Value (%)
1-7days 15-50
7d-3yrs 20-65
3yr-6yr 15-55
6yr-12yr 14-48
12-17yr 14-40

Instituted: 1999
<Ped ref range> Revised: 2002; 8/2011
 75
XII. ALPHBETICAL TEST LISTING

ABG (ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS) RESPIRATORY CARE

See BLOOD GAS ANALYSIS

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABO/RH BLOOD BANK

Order As: ABO/RH Newborn, ABO/RH Obstetrics, or ABO/RH Type, as applicable

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: Blood
Adult: 7 ml in a purple-top tube;
Infant: Pediatric purple top
Label with (1) patient’s full name and Medical record number or Trauma number
exactly as it appears on the Identaband,(2) date of collection (also time if possible),
and (3) the circled signature of the person who drew the specimen and a second
verifying signature.
The information can be written directly on the vacutainer tube label or on a Blood
Bank specimen label (available from Blood Bank), taking care not to obscure the
blank tube label beneath.
IMPORTANT: INCORRECTLY LABELED SPECIMENS WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED BY THE BLOOD BANK.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time:Routine: 4 hr; Stat: 15 min (if Rh-Neg:; 35 min)
Interpretation: N/A
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABT TEST HEMATOLOGY

Order As: ABT Test (Stool)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Visibly bloody rectal discharge or vomitus
Minimum Amount: N/A
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 8 hrs.
Interpretation: Negative: No fetal blood present; Positive: Fetal blood present.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACETONE (Serum) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Acetone

Patient Preparation: None
 76
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: Blood
1. 1 ml in gel barrier tube
2. Gold Top Microtainer with serum separator - fill 1/2 full.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Routine: 4 hr.; Stat: 1 hr
Interpretation: Normal - negative.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACETONE (Urine) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Urinalysis

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Random urine.
Minimum Amount: 2 ml
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Routine: 4 hrs; Stat: 1 hr.
Interpretation: Normal - negative.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACETAMINOPHEN (Tylenol) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Acetaminophen Level

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: Blood
1. 2 ml in gel barrier tube
2. 0.7 ml in red top microtainer
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Routine: 24 hrs.; Stat: 1 hour
Interpretation:
Therapeutic range: 5 – 20 ug/ml
Liver damage can occur if the value is >200 ug/ml at 4 hours or >50 ug/ml at 12
hours

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTOR ANTIBODY CHEMISTRY

Order As: Acetylcholine Antibody

Synonym: AChR Ab
Patient Preparation: No isotopes administered 24 hours prior.
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
 77
Turnaround Time: 5 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Negative: 0.0 – 0.24 nmol/L
Borderline: 0.24 – 0.40 nmol/L
Positive: > 0.40 nmol/L

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACT (ACTIVATED CLOTTING TIME) POINT-OF-CARE TEST SITES

Performed with Point-of Care technology only on those sites authorized by the Pathology
Department.
Patient Preparation: Identify patient by means of ID bracelet.
Specimen collection: Whole blood
Performing test/Interpretation: Refer to test procedures in test site Procedure Manual.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACTH (ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE) CHEMISTRY

Order As: ACTH

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: Blood into 2 Lavender Top Tubes on ice.
** Draw between 8 am – 10 am**
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Drawn - yes; Tested - no.
Turnaround Time: 3-7 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 7.2 – 63.3 pg/ml

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACTIVATED PROTEIN C RESISTANCE (APCR) HEMATOLOGY

Order As: APCR

Patient Preparation: Patient must not be on Coumadin.
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
Exactly: 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue Top Tube (Hemogard plastic)
Note: invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen.
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 2.0 – 5.0

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 78
ADAMS 13 (VW CLEAVING PROTEASE PROFILE) HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Miscellaneous test – Adams 13

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
2 Blue top tubes (Hemogard plastic) with exactly 2.7 ml blood in each
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 1 week (Reference laboratory procedure)
Interpretation: See Report

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALBUMIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Albumin

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
1. 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2. Gold Top Microtainer with serum separator – fill 1/2 full.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 3.5 - 5.6 gm/dl

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALCOHOL, SERUM CHEMISTRY

Order As: Alcohol

Synonyms: Ethanol, ethyl alcohol
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
IMPORTANT: DO NOT PREP THE SKIN WITH AN ALCOHOL SWAB.

For Police: 1 full grey top tube (for whole blood analysis)
For in-house testing: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Routine: 4 hrs.; Stat: 1 hour
Interpretation: Consult Pathologist.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 79
ALDOLASE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Aldolase

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
3 ml in red top tube (rev. 6/2012)
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 1.2 - 7.6 U/L
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALDOSTERONE, SERUM CHEMISTRY

Order As: Aldosterone, Serum

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3 - 7 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normals: Average sodium diet:
Recumbent 1.0 - 16.0 ng/dl
Standing 4.0 - 31.0 ng/dl
Adrenal Vein 200 - 800 ng/dl

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALDOSTERONE, URINE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Aldosterone (24 hr. urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 24 hr. urine collection.
NOTE: 50% acetic acid must be added to the specimen container prior to
collection. Call the Chemistry Section at ext. 4862. (revised: 6/2012)
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 8 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normals: Normal salt diet: 2 - 21 ug/24 hr.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE CHEMISTRY

Order as: Alkaline Phosphatase

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
1. 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
 80
2. Gold Top Microtainer with serum separator - fill 1/2 full.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr.; Routine: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Children: 0-3 yr: 145-320 IU/L
3-6 yr: 150-380 IU/L
6-9 yr: 175-420 IU/L
9-11 yr: 135-530 IU/L
11-13 yr: 200-495 IU/L
13-15 yr: 130-525 IU/L
15-19 yr: 65-260 IU/L
Adult: 43-122 IU/L

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE, HEATED CHEMISTRY

Order as: Alkaline Phosphatase, heated

NOTE: order this test only if the serum alk phos is elevated.
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 5 hrs. (Between 8AM and 3PM)
Interpretation: Greater than 30% of total alk phos= suggestive of hepatic disease
Less than 30% = suggestive of skeletal disease.
Significant only in conjunction with an elevated serum alk phos.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALPHA-1-ANTI-TRYPSIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Alpha 1 Anti-Trypsin

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in red top tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 1 week (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 90 - 200 mg/dl

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALPHA-1 ANTI-TRYPSIN PHENOTYPE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Genotype

Patient Preparation: None
 81
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 10 ml blood in a Red Top Tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 10 days
Interpretation: Normal: See report.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALPHA-2 ANTI-PLASMIN HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Alpha-2 Anti-Plasmin

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue Top Tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 80 - 120%

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALPHA FETOPROTEIN, AMNIOTIC FLUID CHEMISTRY

Order as: Miscellaneous – Alpha Fetoprotein, amniotic fluid

Patient Preparation, Specimen Collection: Contact Ultrasound, ext. 2200
Minimum Amount: 4 ml amniotic fluid
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 5 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Reported as "Normal".

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALPHA FETOPROTEIN (AFP), SERUM - TUMOR MARKER CHEMISTRY

Order as: AFP Tumor marker

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: 0 – 8.0 ng/dl

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 82
ALPHA FETOPROTEIN (AFP) TETRA PROFILE CHEMISTRY

Order as: Miscellaneous - Alpha fetoprotein AFP Maternal

Patient Preparation: Complete Maternal Prenatal Screening form Specimen
Collection/minimum Amount: 5 ml in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3-5 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: see report

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALPHA GLOBIN GENE ANALYSIS HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Miscellaneous test - Alpha Globin Gene analysis

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount: 2 lavender top tubes (EDTA)
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 1 week (Reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: See Report

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALT (ALANINE AMINOTRANSTERASE) CHEMISTRY

Order As: ALT

Formerly: SGPT
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: Male: 0 - 55 IU/l ; Female: 0 - 45 IU/l
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMIKACIN LEVEL CHEMISTRY

Order as: Amikacin Peak or Trough, as applicable

Patient Preparation: Patient must have received the aminoglycoside listed.
Specimen Collection/Minimum amount: 3 ml blood in a Red top Tube
Peak Level:
Drug given I.M.: Draw blood 1 hr after injection
Drug given I.V.: Draw blood at end of infusion
Trough level: Draw blood just prior to administration of next dosage of amikacin.
NOTE: patient should have been on amikacin for 24 hours prior to collecting a
trough specimen.
 83
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays? Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Amikacin peak: 20.0 – 30.0 ug/ml; TOXIC: >30.0 ug/ml
Amikacin trough: 1.0 – 7.0 ug/ml; TOXIC: >7.0 ug/ml
Amikacin random: 1.0 – 30.0 ug/ml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMINO ACID QUANTITATION CHEMISTRY

Order As: Amino Acid Quant (24H urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 24 hr. urine collection
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3 weeks (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: No abnormal amino acids, negative for presence intense bands.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMMONIA, BLOOD CHEMISTRY

Order As: Ammonia

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
1 full Green Top Tube (blood)
Put tube on ice and transport immediately to Lab.
DO NOT SEND THIS SPECIMEN THROUGH THE PNEUMATIC TUBE
SYSTEM.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr.; Routine: 4 hr.
Interpretation: Normal: 9 - 33 umol/L
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMOEBA, ANTIBODY MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Amoeba Ab

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 48 - 72 hrs (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative. NOTE: Any positive titer is significant.

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 84
AMYLASE (BODY FLUID) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Amylase Body Fluid

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 5 ml fluid in sterile container
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: No established normals.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMYLASE (Serum) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Amylase

Patient Preparation: none
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr; Routine: 4 hrs
Interpretation: Normal: 25-115 u/L
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMYLASE (Urine) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Amylase (urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: Timed specimen - minimum 2 hr. urine sample.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 5-33 units/2 hours ; 59-401 units/24 hours

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMYLASE ISOENZYMES CHEMISTRY

Order As: Miscellaneous - Amylase Isoenzymes

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 10 ml blood in gel barrier tube.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 1 week (Reference Lab)
Interpretation: Normal: see report

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 85
ANTIBODY SCREENING BLOOD BANK

Order As: Antibody Screening

Synonym: Indirect antiglobulin test, Indirect coombs
Includes: Antibody identification if screen is positive.
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
7 ml blood in a purple-top tube. Label with(1) patient’s full name and Medical
Record number or Trauma number exactly as it appears on the Identaband, (2) date
of collection also time if possible), and (3) circled signature of the person who drew
the specimen and a second verifying signature. The information can be written
directly on the vacutainer tube label or on a Blood Bank specimen label(available
from Blood Bank), taking care not to obscure the blank tube label beneath.
IMPORTANT: INCORRECTLY LABELED SPECIMENS WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED BY THE BLOOD BANK.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 45 min.; Routine: Same day
Interpretation: Normal: Negative

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-CARDIOLIPIN ANTIBODY (IgG, IgM, IgA) HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Anti-cardiolipin Antibody

Synonyms: ACA, Antiphospholipids
Patient Preparation: none
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: Once per week (batched)
Interpretation:
IgG: Negative: 0-15 GPL; Indeterminate: 15.1 – 20.0 GPL; Positive: >20 GPL
IgM: Negative: 0-12.5 MPL; Indeterminate: 12.6 – 20.0 MPL; Positive: >20 MPL
IgA: Negative: 0-12 APL; Indeterminate: 12.1 – 20.0 APL; Positive: > 20.0 APL

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-DNA - See DNA ELISA HEMATOLOGY

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-ENA (ANTI-Sm AND ANTI-RNP) HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Anti-E.N.A (SM,RNP)

Includes: titers for antibodies to Smith antigen and RNP
Synonyms: Anti-extractable Nuclear Antigens
 86
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: Batched test performed once per week
Interpretation: Normal: Negative.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-GLIADIN ANTIBODIES CHEMISTRY

Order As: Anti-Gliadin Antibodies

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 5 days (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Anti-Gliadin IGG: 0-19 units; Anti-Gliadin IGA: 0-19 units

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-HELICOBACTER PYLORI ANTIBODY HEMATOLOGY

Order As: H. pylori IgG

Synonym: Campylobacter pylori IgG Antibody
Includes: Quantitative (index) result for IgG
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: Batched once weekly
Interpretation: Normal: 0-0.90 ISR

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-HISTONE HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Anti-Histone

Synonyms: Drug-induced lupus antibodies
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: Batched test performed once per week
Interpretation: Normal: Negative.

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 87

ANTI-MICROSOMAL ANTIBODIES CHEMISTRY

See the requirements for ANTITHYROID ANTIBODIES

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANTI-MITOCHONDRIAL ANTIBODY (AMA) HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Anti-mitochondrial Antibody

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: Batched test performed twice per week
Interpretation: Normal: <1:10
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-NUCLEAR ANTIBODY SCREEN HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Antinuclear antibody

Synonyms: ANA, FANA
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: Batched 2 times per week
Interpretation: Screen normal: 0 – 10.0 U/ml. If screen is positive, a titer will be performed
and reported. Normal: <1:40
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-PARIETAL CELL ANTIBODY CHEMISTRY

Order As: Anti Parietal Cell Antibody

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 72 hrs. (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Negative = less than 24.9

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE IgG, IgM HEMATOLOGY

Order: on Miscellaneous Lab slip

Synonym: APTS
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount: 7 ml blood in a gel barrier tube
 88
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 1 week (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 0-16 GPS, 0-22 MPS units
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-SCL 70 (Anti-scleroderma antibodies) HEMATOLOGY

REQUIREMENTS SAME AS FOR ANTI-ENA

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-SSA, SSB HEMATOLOGY

Synonyms: Sjogren’s antibodies, Anti-Ro, Anti-La

REQUIREMENTS SAME AS FOR ANTI-ENA

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI- SMOOTH MUSCLE ANTIBODY (ASMA) HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Anti-smooth muscle antibody

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: Batched test performed twice per week.
Interpretation: Normal: Less than 1:10
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-STREPTOLYSIN "O" (ASO) CHEMISTRY

Order As: ASO Titer

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 24 hours (Monday – Friday)
Interpretation: Normal: 0 – 200 IU/ml
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-STRIATED MUSCLE ANTIBODY CHEMISTRY

Order As: Anti-Striated Muscle Antibody

Synonyms: Anti-myocardial antibodies
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
 89
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 5 days
Interpretation: Normal: see report
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANTI-THROMBIN III HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Anti-Thrombin 3

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue Top Tube (Hemogard plastic)
NOTE: Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 24 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 80 - 120%

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-THYROGLOBULIN CHEMISTRY

SEE REQUIREMENTS FOR ANTI-THYROID ANTIBODIES

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANTI-THYROID ANTIBODIES CHEMISTRY

Order As: Antithyroid antibodies

Includes: Thyroglobulin and TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) antibodies.
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Anti-Thyroglobulin: 0 – 40 IU/ml
Anti-TPO: 0 – 34 IU/ml
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARSENIC CHEMISTRY

Order As: Arsenic Level

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
5 ml blood in Navy Blue Tube (trace metal-free tube, obtain from the Diagnostic
Technicians at ext. 4829)
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3 working days (Reference Lab)
Interpretation: 2 – 23 ug/L
 90

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASO TITER - See ANTI-STREPTOLYSIN O

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASPERGILLUS ANTIBODY MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Aspergillus Ab

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 7 - 10 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal- Negative
Note: Any significant rise in titer from acute to convalescent phase serum is diagnostic of
infection.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASPERGILLUS ANTIGEN HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Aspergillus Antigen

Synonyms: Galactomannon
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/Minimum amount: 4 ml in gel barrier tube
NOTE: Specimen tube CANNOT BE SHARED for any other test
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: Specimens are batched; run 2 times per week
Interpretation: Normal: Less than 0.5

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AST (ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE) CHEMISTRY

Order As: AST

Synonym: Formerly SGOT
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
1. 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2. Gold Top Microtainer with serum separator, fill 1/2 full.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal 10-30 IU/L
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 91
AUTOHEMOLYSIS TEST (HAM TEST) HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Autohemolysis Test

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
10 cc fresh blood in Red Top Tube without serum separator.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 8 hrs
Interpretation: Normal: No lysis
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BACTERICIDAL LEVEL, SERUM - See SCHLICHTER TEST

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BARBITURATES, QUANTITATIVE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Barbiturates – Quant

Includes: amobarbital, butabarbital, butalbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, secobarbital.
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: Blood in two (2) gray top tubes.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 48 hrs. (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BARTONELLA ANTIBODY - See CAT SCRATCH DISEASE ANTIBODY

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC METABOLIC PANEL (BMP) – See MINI SCREEN

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BENCE-JONES PROTEIN - See PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS (URINE)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BETA-2 GLYCOPROTEIN HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Beta 2-Glycoprotein

Synonym: Beta-2 Glycoprotein IgG, IgA, IgM
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube or Red-Top tube.
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 1 week (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal 0-20 IgG, IgA, or IgM units
 92

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BETA-2 MICROGLOBULIN (Serum) CHEMISTRY

Order as: Beta-2 microglobulin

Patient Preparation:None
Specimen Collection/Minimum amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3-4 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: normal: >18 years (M/F): 0.6 – 2.4 mg/L
Reference ranges below 18 years of age will appear on the printed patient chart and in
the LastWord computer.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BETA HCG TITER (QUANTITATIVE) CHEMISTRY

Order As: BHCG Quantitative

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation:
Non-pregnant: Normal: Less than 5 mIU/ml-Absence of trophoblastic disease, absence
of ectopic pregnancy.
For determination of Pregnancy:
(1) Less than 5 MIU/mL (negative)
(2) 5 – 25 MIU/mL (May indicate early pregnancy depending on clinical
correlation. If necessary, an additional blood sample should be drawn 48 hours
later for repeat testing)
(3) Greater than 25 MIU/mL (positive)

NOTE: There are reports of women receiving unnecessary medical treatment and surgery
based on physicians’ diagnoses made solely upon BhCG results which were falsely
elevated. For example, infrequently, hCG levels appear consistently falsely elevated due to
the presence of heterophilic antibodies, human anti-mouse antibodies, nonspecific protein
binding, hCG-like substances, and red blood cell interference, among other causes. These
interfering substances may cause false results over the entire range of the assay, not just at
low levels, and may indicate the presence of hCG when there is none. These same causes
may result in consistently falsely depressed levels. For diagnostic purposes, hCG results
should be used in conjunction with other data, such as clinical symptoms, results of other
tests, clinical impressions, etc.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 93

BILIRUBIN, DIRECT CHEMISTRY

Order As: Bilirubin Direct

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 0-0.4 mg/dl
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BILIRUBIN, TOTAL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Bilirubin Total

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 0.6 - 1.0 mg/dl
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BLASTOMYCES ANTIBODY MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Blastomyces Ab

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 7 - 10 days (reference Lab Test)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
Note: Any significant rise in titer from acute to convalescent phase serum is diagnostic of
infection.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLOOD CULTURE - See Microbiology Section A

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLOOD GAS ANALYSIS RESPIRATORY CARE

Performed in the Blood Gas Labs of the Respiratory Care Dept.

Order as applicable: Mixed venous, Arterial blood, Scalp pH, capillary, cord pH.
The following sites should call requests to the appropriate Respiratory Care beeper:
SICU – b.7012, MICU b.7011, CSICU b.7013, NICU b.7010, ETD b.7015.
All other sites call ext. 2333 for appropriate beeper number.
 94
Patient preparation: Identify patient by ID bracelet.
Specimen collection: Scalp pH drawn by M.D.
Mixed venous specimens drawn by RN/M.D.
All other specimens will be collected by Respiratory Therapists.
Stat? Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 15 minutes
Interpretation: Normals:
Arterial (Adult):pH 7.35-7.45; pCO2 35-45 mm Hg; pO2 80-100 mm Hg; HCO3 22-24
mEq/L; BE 0 + 2 mEq/L.
Mixed venous (Adult): pH 7.32-7.42; pCO2 40-60 mm Hg; pO2 25-40 mmHg; HCO3 22-
26 mEq/L; BE (–2)-(+2)mEq/L
Cord pH: 7.3 – 7.45
Scalp pH: 7.3 – 7.45
Capillary: pH 7.34-7.45; pCO2 30-50 mm Hg; pO2 40-90 mm Hg
ETD only: Sodium: 130-146 mmol/L; Potassium: 3.2-5.1 mmol/L
NICU/PICU only: Ionized calcium: 1.0-1.5 mmol/L
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BLOOD SMEARS FOR PARASITES (THICK AND THIN)

See MICROBIOLOGY SECTION I

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BNP (Beta-type natriuretic peptide) CHEMISTRY

Order as: BNP

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: 1 full Lavender-top tube (blood)
Stat? Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround time: Stat: 1 hour
Routine: Test must be completed within 4 hrs of draw.
Interpretation:
BNP is FDA approved to be used as an aide in the diagnosis of heart failure (HF) .
An elevated BNP correlates with elevated ventricular filling pressures (PCWP) as
occurs with systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and helps to confirm a diagnosis of HF;
it should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic
testing. An elevated BNP may alternatively reflect right ventricular failure. The
HUMC Department of Cardiology recommends the following guidelines:
Limits of <5 pg/ml -- >5000pg/ml *
detection:
BNP level Interpretation:
<100 pg/ml Highly unlikely that patient’s symptoms result from systolic or
diastolic dysfunction.
 95
>100 - <300 H F likely; correlates with NYHA Class I (Pts with Left Ventricular
pg/ml Dysfunction and no acute CHF may have baseline BNP levels of
141( 31).
>300 - < 600 Correlates with mild - moderate HF; usually reflects NYHA Class II.
pg/ml Pts who present with dyspnea and BNP level >480 have a nearly
30-fold increased risk for a cardiac event in the next 6 months.
>600 - < 1000 Correlates with moderate-severe HF; usually reflects NYHA Class III
pg/dl
> 1000 pg/dl Correlates with very severe congestive HF; usually reflects NYHA
Class IV
* In pts with elevated serum creatinine BNP levels may be
exaggerated; In dialysis pts, BNP may be more closely related to
structural abnormalities and does not necessarily correlate with
volume status.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BORDETELLA PERTUSSIS ANTIBODY PANEL MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: B. pertussis Ab panel

Includes: B. pertussis Ab, IgA, IgG and IgM, Quantitative
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 7 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Negative titer: Less than 1:20.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BORDETELLA PERTUSSIS PCR MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Miscellaneous with comment “Pertussis PCR”

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Using a nasopharyngeal culture swab, insert through nasal passage into the
nasopharyngeal area.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: Monday – Friday, 24 hr. TAT
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BREAST CANCER PROFILE ANATOMICAL PATHOLOGY

Order as: Breast Cancer Profile. This profile will be performed on invasive breast cancer
 96
cases at the discretion of the pathologist.
Includes: Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor, p53, Ki67 proliferation index, HER-
2/neu.
Specimen collection: Place surgical specimen in container of 10% neutral buffered
formalin. Testing can also be performed on archival material.
Interpretation: Interpretive report will be issued. Contact Christopher Koenig, MD at ext.
4889 with questions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BUFFY COAT SMEAR HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Buffy Coat Smear

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: 1 Lavender Top Tube (blood). Invert to mix anticoagulant with
specimen.

Minimum Amount:
1. 1 ml in 5 ml Lavender Top Hemogard tube. (LTT)
2. Micro specimens to be collected by Diagnostic Techs
Stat?: :No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Same as for differential
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BUN (Urea Nitrogen) CHEMISTRY

Order As: BUN

Synonym: Blood urea nitrogen, urea nitrogen
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
1. 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2. Gold Top Microtainer with serum separator - fill 1/2 full
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 5-24 mg/dl
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C1 ESTERASE, FUNCTIONAL CHEMISTRY

Order as: C1 Esterase, Functional

Patient preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 3 ml in red top tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 5 days (Reference Lab test)
 97
Interpretation: Normal: greater than 67%
Abnormal: less than 41%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C1 ESTERASE, INHIBITOR CHEMISTRY

Order as: C1 Esterase, Inhibitor

Patient preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 3 ml in red top tube, collect and maintain ON ICE.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 5 days (Reference Lab test)
Interpretation: 21 – 39 mg/dl
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C3, C4 CHEMISTRY

Order As: C3 and/or C4 as applicable

Synonyms: Complement C3, C4
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in Red Top Tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: Monday – Friday, day shift
Interpretation: Normals are age-dependent
C3 (Adult) - 86-184 mg/dl
C4 (Adult) - 20-59 mg/dl
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CA 19-9 : See CARBOHYDRATE ANTIGEN 19-9

CA 15-3 : See CANCER ANTIGEN 15-3
CA 27.29: See CANCER ANTIGEN 27.29
CA 125: See CANCER ANTIGEN 125
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CALCITONIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Calcitonin

Synonym: Thyrocalcitonin
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in red top tube (rev. 6/2012)
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 21 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Male: 0 – 8.4 pg/ml
Female: 0 – 5.0 pg/ml
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 98
CALCIUM (Serum) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Calcium

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
1. 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2. Gold Top Microtainer with serum separator - fill 1/2 full.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr.; Routine: 4 hrs
Interpretation: Normal: 8.4 - 10.2 mg/dl
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CALCIUM (urine) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Calcium (24 hr urine)

Patient Preparation: Check to see if ordering physician requires a specific calcium diet.
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 24 hr. urine collection with 6 N HC1 as
preservative. Call Chemistry x 4862.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 3 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 50-275 mg/24 hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CALCIUM, IONIZED CHEMISTRY

Order as: Calcium, Ionized (Blood)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection, Minimum amount:
1. 10 ml blood in GREEN TOP TUBE.
2. Green-top Pediatric tube
Stat? Yes Weekends/Holidays? Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr; Routine: 4 hrs
Interpretation: Normal: 4.75 – 5.30 mg/dl

NOTE: This test can also be performed by Respiratory Care ONLY in NICU and
PICU when ordered in conjunction with Blood Gases.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CALCULUS, QUALITATIVE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Calculus - Qualitative

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: Calculus
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
 99
Turnaround Time: 10 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: N/A

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CANCER ANTIGEN 15-3 CHEMISTRY

Order as: CA 15-3

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 3-5 days (Reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: 0.0 – 25.0 units/ml
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CANCER ANTIGEN 27.29 CHEMISTRY

Order as: CA 27.29

Synonym: Cancer antigen 27.29
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3 days (Reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: 0 – 38.6 units/ml
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CANCER ANTIGEN 125 CHEMISTRY

Order as: CA 125

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 24 hours (Monday – Friday)
Interpretation: 0-35.0 U/ml

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CARBAMAZEPINE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Carbamazepine

Synonym: Tegretol
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in red top tube
Stat?: Yes
 100
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time:Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Therapeutic: 4-12 ug/dl

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CARBOHYDRATE ANTIGEN 19-9 CHEMISTRY

Order as: CA 19-9

Synonym: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3 days (Reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: 0 – 35 units/ml

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CAROTENE CHEMISTRY
Order As: Carotene Serum
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 10 ml blood in gel barrier tube.
Wrap specimen immediately in aluminum foil to protect from light.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 10-85 ug/dl

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CATECHOLAMINES, FRACTIONATED (URINE) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Catecholamines - fract (urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 24 hr. urine collection
NOTE: 50% acetic acid must be added to the container prior to specimen
collection. Call Chemistry at ext. 4862. (revised: 6/2012)

Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Not tested.
Turnaround Time: 3 days
Interpretation: VMA: 0-7.5 mg/24 hours
Epinephrine: 0-20 ug/24 hours
Norepinephrin: 0-135 ug/24 hours
Dopamine: 0-510 ug/24 hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 101

CAT SCRATCH DISEASE ANTIBODY MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Bartonella Ab

Includes: Bartonella henselae IgG/IgM; B. quintana IgG/IgM
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 7 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CBC ONLY HEMATOLOGY

Order As: CBC only

Includes: Complete CBC: WBC, RBC, Hgb, Hct, MCH, MCV, MCHC, RDW, Platelet
count, and MPV.
NOTE: Does NOT include an automated WBC differential.
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/ Minimum Amount:
1. 1 ml blood in 5 ml purple top tube (Hemogard)
2. Microspecimens to be collected by Diagnostic Techs.
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen.
Stat?: :Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hr.
Interpretation: Male (18 yr and older) Female (18 yr and older)

WBC 4.0 - 11.0 x 103/uL 4.0 - 11.0 x 103/uL

RBC 4.7 - 6.1 X 106 /uL 4.2 - 5.4 X 106/uL
HBG 14 - 18 g/dl 12 - 16 g/dl
HCT 42 - 52% 37 - 47%
MCV 80 - 95 FL 80 - 95 FL
MCH 27 - 31 pg 27 - 31 pg
MCHC 32 – 36 g/dl 32 – 36 g/dl
RDW 11.5 - 14.5% 11.5 - 14.5%
MPV 7.4 - 10.4 FL 7.4 - 10.4 FL
Platelet count: 135 - 430 X 103/uL 135 - 430 X 103/uL

NOTES:
1. For age-specific reference ranges, refer to the individual patient report.
2. Select abnormal CBC results will be reviewed by a pathologist.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 102

C.B.C. with AUTOMATED DIFFERENTIAL HEMATOLOGY

Order As: CBC with Auto Diff

Includes: Complete CBC (WBC, RBC, Hgb, Hct, MCH, MCV, MCHC, RDW, Platelet
count, MPV) and automated differential WBC count.
NOTE: When the automated differential is not valid due to instrument
limitations, a manual differential will be performed.
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/ Minimum Amount:
1. 1 ml blood in 5 ml purple top tube (Hemogard)
2. Microspecimens to be collected by Diagnostic Techs.
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen.
Stat?: :Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hr.
Interpretation: Male (18 yr and older) Female (18 yr and older)

WBC 4.0 - 11.0 x 103/uL 4.0 - 11.0 x 103 /uL

RBC 4.7 - 6.1 X 106 /uL 4.2 - 5.4 X 106/uL
HBG 14 - 18 g/dl 12 - 16 g/dl
HCT 42 - 52% 37 - 47%
MCV 80 - 95 FL 80 - 95 FL
MCH 27 - 31 pg 27 - 31 pg
MCHC 32 – 36 g/dl 32 – 36 g/dl
RDW 11.5 - 14.5% 11.5 - 14.5%
MPV 7.4 - 10.4 FL 7.4 - 10.4 FL
Platelet count: 135 - 430 X 103 /uL 135 - 430 X 103/uL
Diff Screen: Lymph %: 14 - 40%; Lymph A: 0.7 – 3.5 x 103
Monos %: 0 - 10%; Mono A: 0.5 - 0.9 x 103
Neut %: 50 - 75%; Neut A: 2.5 - 7.0 x 103
Eos %: 0 - 5% Eos A: 0.0 - 0.7 x 103
Baso %: 0 - 2% Baso A: 0.0 - 0.2 x 103

NOTES:
1. For age-specific reference ranges, refer to the individual patient report.
2. Select abnormal CBC results will be reviewed by a pathologist.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CBC with MANUAL DIFFERENTIAL HEMATOLOGY

Order As: CBC with Manual Diff

Includes: Complete CBC (WBC, RBC, Hgb, Hct, MCH, MCV, MCHC, RDW, Platelet
count, MPV) and blood smear for microscopic examination with manual
differential WBC count.
 103
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/ Minimum Amount:
1. 1 ml blood in 5 ml purple top tube (Hemogard)
2. Microspecimens to be collected by Diagnostic Techs.
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen.
Stat?: :Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hr.
Interpretation: Male (18 yr and older) Female (18 yr and older)

WBC 4.0 - 11.0 x 103 /uL 4.0 - 11.0 x 103/uL

RBC 4.7 - 6.1 X 106/uL 4.2 - 5.4 X 106/uL
HBG 14 - 18 g/dl 12 - 16 g/dl
HCT 42 - 52% 37 - 47%
MCV 80 - 95 FL 80 - 95 FL
MCH 27 - 31 pg 27 - 31 pg
MCHC 32 – 36 g/dl 32 – 36 g/dl
RDW 11.5 - 14.5% 11.5 - 14.5%
MPV 7.4 - 10.4 FL 7.4 - 10.4 FL
Platelet count: 135 - 430 X 103 /uL 135 - 430 X 103/uL
Manual Diff: Neut 50 - 75%; Lymph 14 - 40%; Mono 0 - 10%; Eos 0 - 5%;
Baso 0 - 2%; Bands 0 - 5%; Platelets adequate; RBC morphology normal

NOTES:
1. For age-specific reference ranges, refer to the individual patient report.
2. Select abnormal CBC results will be reviewed by a pathologist.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CEA (CARCINOEMBRYONIC ANTIGEN) CHEMISTRY

Order As: CEA

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 10 ml blood in gel barrier tube.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 24 hours (Monday – Friday)
Interpretation: 0.0 - 3.0 ng/ml

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CELL COUNT (CSF and Cavity Fluids) HEMATOLOGY

Order As: CSF Cell count

Body Fluid Cell count
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
 104
CSF: 1 ml fluid in sterile spinal fluid tube
Cavity fluid: 1 ml in 5 ml Lavender Top Tube. Invert to mix anticoagulant with
specimen.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normals:
Cerebrospinal Fluid: 0-5 WBC/mm3
Cavity Fluids: 0-5 WBC/mm3

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CERULOPLASMIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Ceruloplasmin

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Draw in chilled tube and keep on ice.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 5 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Male 16.2 – 35.6 mg/dl
Female 17.9 – 53.3 mg/dl

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CH50 - See Complement, Total

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHEM SCREEN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Chem Screen

Synonyms: Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Chem 14, SMAC
Includes: See Interpretation listing below
Patient Preparation: Preferable if patient is fasting.
Specimen Collection,Minimum amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hrs.

Interpretation: Normal:
A/G ratio: 0.1 - 2.2 (calculation)
Albumin: 3.5 - 5.6 gm/dl
Alk. Phosphatase: 43 - 122 IU/L
ALT: Male: 0-55 IU/L; Female: 0-45 IU/L
AST: 10 - 30 IU/L
BUN: 5 - 24 mg/dl
 105
Bilirubin, total: 0.6 - 1.0 mg/dl
Calcium: 8.4 - 10.2 mg/dl
Chloride,(CL): 95 - 108 mEq/L
CO2: 24 – 32 mEq/L
Creatinine : 0.3 - 1.5 mg/dl
Glucose: 68 - 122 mg/dl (fasting)
Potassium (K): 3.5 - 5.2 mEq/L
Sodium (Na): 134 - 146 mEq/L
Total Protein: 6.0 - 7.7 gm/dl

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHLORIDE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Chloride

Synonym: Cl-
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
1. 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube.
2. Gold Top Microtainer with serum separator - fill 1/2 full.
Stat?: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr; Routine: 4 hrs
Interpretation: Normal: 95-108 mEq/L
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHOLESTEROL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Cholesterol

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
1. 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2. Gold Top Microtainer with serum separator - fill 1/2 full.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: <200 mg/dl
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHROMOSOME STUDIES - Contact Chemistry Section, ext. 4862 for information

on specimen requirements for genetics testing.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CK, TOTAL (CREATININE PHOSPHOKINASE) CHEMISTRY

Order As: CK Total

Synonyms: formerly CPK
 106
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hrs
Interpretation: Normal: Male: 57-374 U/L
Female: 35-230 U/L
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CK-MB CHEMISTRY

Order As: CKMB

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: <8 ng/ml
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLOMIPRAMINE (ANAFRANIL) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Clomipramine

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
8 ml blood in Red Top Tube without serum separator
NOTE: Collect specimen prior to next dose.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 5 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Clomipramine: 70 - 200 ng/ml
Norclomipramine: 150 - 300 ng/ml

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLOT RETRACTION HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Clot retraction

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
5 ml blood in 10 ml Red Top Tube without serum separator
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Complete retraction in 24 hours.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 107

CO2 (CARBON DIOXIDE) CHEMISTRY

Order As: CO2

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
1. 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2. Gold Top Microtainer with serum separator - fill 1/2 full
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 24 - 32 mEq/L

COCCIDIOIDES ANTIBODY MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Coccidioides Ab

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 7 - 10 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
Note: Any significant rise in titer from acute to convalescent phase serum is diagnostic of
infection.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLD AGGLUTININ CHEMISTRY

Order As: Cold Agglutinin

patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in Red Top Tube.
NOTE: Must be collected and kept at 37 degrees C (in a cup of warm water).
DO NOT SEND THESE SPECIMENS THROUGH THE PNEUMATIC TUBE
SYSTEM
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 24 hrs.
Interpretation: Negative Titer: <1:32
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COMPLEMENT, TOTAL HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Total Complement

Synonyms: CH50, Total hemolytic complement
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in Red Top Tube
NOTE: Collect and place tube IMMEDIATELY into an ice bath.
 108
DO NOT SEND THESE SPECIMENS THROUGH THE PNEUMATIC TUBE
SYSTEM.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 5 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 22-60 units/ml

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COMPLEMENT C3 ACTIVATOR CHEMISTRY

Order As: C3 Complement Activator

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 12.0 - 30.0 mg/dl

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PANEL (CMP) - See CHEM SCREEN

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CORTISOL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Cortisol basal stimulated 30 or stimulated 60 AM or PM (As applicable)

Patient Preparation: Usually drawn at 8AM and 4PM
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
NOTE: Label time of collection.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 8AM – 5-25 ug/dl
4PM – 2.5-12.5 ug/dl
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CORTISOL, FREE - 24 HR. URINE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Cortisol, Free (24 hr urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 24 hr. urine collection
NOTE: A boric acid tablet must be added to the specimen container prior to
collection.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
 109
Turnaround Time: 8 days. (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 0 - 50 mcg/24 hr.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C-PEPTIDES CHEMISTRY

Order As: C Peptides

Patient Preparation: Fasting 14-16 hours
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
4 ml blood in a gel barrier tube and freeze immediately
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 1 week (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 1.1 – 4.4 ng/ml

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (CRP) CHEMISTRY

Order As: C-Reactive Protein

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/ minimum amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 8 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Less than 0.8 mg/dl
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CREATININE (Serum) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Creatinine

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
1. 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2. Gold Top Microtainer with serum separator - fill 1/2 full
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 0.3 - 1.5 mg/dl
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CREATININE (Urine) CHEMISTRY

Order as: Creatinine Urine

Patient Preparation: None.
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 24 hr. urine collection
 110
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: male: 1000-2000 mg/24 hr
Female: 600-1500 mg/24 hr
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CREATININE CLEARANCE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Creatinine Clearance

Patient Preparation: Patient should drink as much water as possible during test.
This test requires :
(1) A timed urine collection (2 hours up to 24 hours, to be determined by physician’s
order), and
(2) a blood creatinine within 24 hours of urine collection.

Urine Collection procedure:

1. Obtain a 24 hour urine jug from the Storeroom and label it with the patient’s name and
second identifier (MR#, DOB). No urine preservative is required.
2. At the beginning of specified time period, have the patient void to empty his/her bladder.
DISCARD THIS SPECIMEN.
3. All urine voided after this initial specimen and for the duration of the test must be
collected, including the sample at the end of the timed period.
NOTE: Keep the specimen refrigerated during the collection period. Specimens may be
pooled.
4. Send the labeled specimen(s) to the Laboratory. 24 hour urine jugs cannot be sent through
the pneumatic tube system.
5. It is the responsibility of the nursing unit to ensure that a serum creatinine has been
performed on the patient.
Minimum Amount:
1. 2 hour timed urine specimen.
2. 3 ml in a gel barrier tube for serum creatinine.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 97-137 ml/min.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CROSSMATCH BLOOD BANK

Order As: Ordering Packed Red Blood Cells

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection:
Purple-top tube. Label with (1) patient’s full name and Medical Record number or Trauma
number exactly as it appears on the Identaband, (2)date of collection (also time if
possible),and (3) circled signature of the person who drew the specimen and a second
verifying signature. The information can be written directly on the vacutainer tube label or
 111
on a Blood Bank specimen label (available from Blood Bank), taking care not to obscure
the blank tube label beneath.
IMPORTANT: INCORRECTLY LABELED SPECIMENS WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED BY THE BLOOD BANK.

Minimum Amount: Adult: 7 ml blood in a 10 ml purple-top tube

Infant: Pediatric purple-top tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 45 min.; Routine: Same day
Interpretation: Compatible or Incompatible
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CRYOGLOBULIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Cryoglobulin

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in Red Top Tube.
NOTE: Tube must be collected and kept at 37o C (body temp)in a cup of warm water.
DO NOT SEND THESE SPECIMENS THROUGH THE PNEUMATIC TUBE
SYSTEM
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
If positive, quantitation and identification will be performed and reported.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CRYOPRECIPITATE BLOOD BANK

Order As: Ordering Blood Components for Administration

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection:
None, if patient has been previously grouped and typed on the same admission.
If not: Purple-top tube (blood). Label with(1) patient’s full name and Medical Record
number or Trauma number exactly as it appears on the Identaband, (2) date of collection
also time if possible), and (3) circled signature of the person who drew the specimen and a
second verifying signature. The information can be written directly on the vacutainer tube
label or on a Blood Bank specimen label(available from Blood Bank), taking care not to
obscure the blank tube label beneath.
IMPORTANT: INCORRECTLY LABELED SPECIMENS WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED BY THE BLOOD BANK.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Dependent upon availability of material from supplier. Takes an
additional 30 minutes to thaw and pool once it is received in house.
Interpretation: N/A
 112
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CRYPTOCOCCAL ANTIGEN (CSF OR BLOOD) MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Cryptococcal Antigen

Includes: If postive, a titer is automatically performed
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
1. Cerebrospinal fluid - 1 ml
2. Blood - 4 ml in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Negative.
Note: This test is recommended for immunocompromised patients if cryptococcal infection
is suspected.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM - See Microbiology Section J, p.49

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CULTURE, GENERAL - See Microbiology Section B, p.36

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CYCLOSPORINE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Cyclosporine

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
4 ml blood in LAVENDER Top Tube. Invert to mix specimen with
anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Therapeutic range: 150 - 250 ng/ml (depends on chemotherapy dose)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CYTOLOGY SPECIMENS - See Cytology Narrative, Section V.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DARVON CHEMISTRY

Order As: Darvon Level

Synonym: Propoxyphine
Patient Preparation: Collect prior to next dose
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in Red Top Tube
 113
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 10 days
Interpretation: Therapeutic: 100 - 400 mg/ml; Toxic: >500 mg/ml
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

D-DIMER HEMATOLOGY

Order as: D-Dimer

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum amount:
EXACTLY: 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue Top Tube
Note: Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen.
Stat? Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: < 0.5 FEU
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEMEROL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Demerol - Meperidine (serum)

Synonym: Meperidine
Patient Preparation: Collect immediately prior to next dose
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in Red Top Tube without serum
separator.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 5 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Therapeutic: 70 - 500 ng/ml; Potentially toxic: > 1000 ng/ml
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPAKENE – See VALPROIC ACID

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DESIPRAMINE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Desipramine

Synonyms: Norpramin, Pertofrane
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: 10 ml blood in Red top tube without serum separator.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Therapeutic: 150 - 250 ng/ml; Potentially toxic: > 500 ng/ml
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 114

DHEA CHEMISTRY

Order as: DHEA

Synonym: Dehyroepiandrosterone
Patient preparation: No isotopes administered 24 hours prior to venipuncture
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekend/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 5 days (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Age specific. Will specify on report.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DHEA-S CHEMISTRY

Order as: DHEA-S

Synonym: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
Patient preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekend/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 3-5 days (Reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Age specific. Will specify on report.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIAZEPAM CHEMISTRY

Order As: Diazepam

Synonym: Valium, Benzodiazepine, Nordiazepam
Patient Preparation: none
Specimen Collection:
1) draw 1 hour after oral dose
2) 15 minutes after IV dose
Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in a red-top tube without serum separator
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 4 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Therapeutic: 0.1 – 2.5 ug/ml; Toxic: > 5.0 ug/ml

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIGOXIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Digoxin level

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
 115
Specimen must be drawn at least 4 hrs. after last dose.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 8 hrs.
Interpretation: Therapeutic: 0.5 - 2.0 ng/ml; Toxic: >2 ng/ml
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DILANTIN (PHENYTOIN) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Dilantin Level

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in red top tube without gel barrier.
Specimen must be drawn at least 2-3 hours after last dose.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr; Routine: 1 day
Interpretation: Therapeutic range: 10-20 mcg/ml
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DILANTIN, FREE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Free Phenytoin

Patient Preparation: Draw prior to next does
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 8 ml blood in Red Top Tube without serum
separator
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 2 days (Reference Lab)
Interpretation: Normal: 1.0 – 2.0 ug/ml

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DILUTE RUSSELL VIPER VENOM (DRVVT) HEMATOLOGY

Order as: DRVVT

Includes: LA Screen and LA Confirmatory
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
EXACTLY: 2.7 ml blood in 3 ml Blue top tube
Note: Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will acceept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: LA Screen: Negative; LA Confirmatory: Less than 1.20

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 116

DIPHTHERIA ANTIBODY MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Diphtheria Antibody

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 7 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: See Reference report
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIRECT ANTIGLOBULIN TEST (DIRECT COOMBS) BLOOD BANK

Order As: Coombs test (Direct)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
Adult: 3 ml blood in a purple-top tube (invert to mix anticoagulant)
Infant: 0.5 ml blood in a pediatric purple-top tube (invert to mix anticoagulant)
Label with (1) patient’s full name and medical record number or trauma number exactly as
it appears on the Identaband, (2) date of collection (also time if possible), and (3) circled
signature of the person who drew the specimen and a second verifying signature. The
information can be written directly on the vacutainer tube label or on a Blood Bank
specimen label (available from Blood Bank), taking care not to obscure the blank tube label
beneath.
IMPORTANT: INCORRECTLY LABELED SPECIMENS WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED BY THE BLOOD BANK.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Routine: 1 day; Stat: 20 min
Interpretation: Normal: Negative.
If positive C3d. If positive, no further tests.
IgG. If positive, will do acid elution. Based on I.D., antigen
typing will be performed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DNA ELISA HEMATOLOGY

Order As: DNA ELISA

Synonym: Anti-ds DNA, Anti-native DNA
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: Batched, run once per week.
Interpretation: Normal: 0 - 200 IU/ml
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 117

DOXEPIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Doxepin

Synonym: Sinequon
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in a red top tube without serum
separator
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Therapeutic: 150-250 ng/ml; Toxic: Greater than 500 ng/ml

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DRUG SCREEN, URINE CHEMISTRY

Order as: Drug Screen, random urine

Includes: Amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine, cocaine, THC, methadone, opiates,
PCP.
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection, minimum amount:
20 ml urine (Refrigerate specimen if not delivered to lab immediately).
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 2 hours; Routine: Day shift only
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
NOTE 1: All positive specimens are retained for 7 days; if confirmation is desired, contact
the Chemistry Section, X 4862.
NOTE 2: This is NOT chain-of-custody.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

D-XYLOSE CHEMISTRY

Order As: D-Xylose

Patient Preparation:
Schedule at least 24 hours prior to test with Chemistry Section (x 4862). Patient
must be fasting. The patient is given the test drink by the Diagnostic technician at 7AM.
The patient must fast until completion of test (5 hours).
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
All urine from 7 AM – 12 noon
Blood specimen: 1 full GRAY Top Tube, drawn at 9AM
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab)
Interpretation: Blood: 32 - 58 mg/dl; Urine: > 4.0 gm/5 hrs
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 118
ELAVIL (AMITRIPTYLINE) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Elavil (amitriptyline)

Patient Preparation: Collect immediately prior to next dose
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
10 ml blood in Red Top Tube without serum separator
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days
Interpretation: Normal: 120-250 mg/ml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELECTROLYTE PANEL CHEMISTRY

Order as: Electrolytes

Includes: CO2, Chloride, Sodium, Potassium
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Routine: 4 hours Stat: 1 hour
Interpretation:
CO2 24-32 mEq/L ; Cl 95-108 mEq/L; Sodium 134-146 mEq/L;
Potassium 3.5-5.2 mEq/L
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EOSINOPHIL COUNT HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Eosinophil count

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
1 ml blood in 5 ml Lavender Top Tube (Hemogard tube)
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 50-440/mm3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EOSINOPHIL SMEAR (NASAL, STOOL AND URINE) HEMATOLOGY

FIND: STOOL - HEMATOLOGY SCREEN

NASAL and URINE - HEMATOLOGY ALPHA-BROWSE

Order As: Eosinophil Smear

Patient Preparation: None
 119
Specimen Collection:
1. Glass slide(s) prepared from nasal swab labeled with patient's name. Be sure to
keep slides separated in transport to prevent specimen from being wiped off onto the back
of the other slide.
2. Urine or stool specimen sent to Lab.
Minimum Amount: 1-2 slides - nasal
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: No eos seen.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ERYTHROPOIETIN CHEMISTRY

Order as: EPO

Patient preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekend/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 5 days (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Adult: 4.2 – 27.8 mIU/ml
Pediatric: reference evaluation will appear with test result
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESR - See SEDIMENTATION RATE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ESTERASE STAIN HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Esterase A-naphthyl acetate

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
1. 1 ml blood in 5 ml Lavender Top Tube (Hemogard tube).
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen.
2. 2-4 Bone marrow smears or peripheral smears.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 8 hrs. (Day shift only)
Interpretation: Used to differentiate acute myelogenous leukemia from acute
myelomonocytic leukemia. Interpretation by Pathologist.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ESTRADIOL, SERUM (E2) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Estradiol, Serum

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection,Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
 120
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours (run 7 days/week, day shift)
Interpretation: All results are reported in pg/ml
Male: Prepuberty 2-8
Adult 10-60
Female: Prepuberty 4-12
Ovulating
Early follicular 30-100
Late follicular 100-400
Luteal 50-150
HMG-therapeutic >1000
On Oral Contraceptives <50
Pregnant Up to 35,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ESTRIOL, SERUM CHEMISTRY

Order As: Estriol Serum

Patient Preparation: None. Please indicate gestational weeks if pertinent.
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 2 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Male and non-pregnant female - 0.2 ng/ml
Pregnancy - See report form.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ESTROGENS, TOTAL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Estrogen

Patient Preparation: No radioisotopes
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 8 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will Accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days
Interpretation: Normal: See report
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ETHANOL – See ALCOHOL, SERUM OR URINE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EUGLOBULIN CLOT LYSIS HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Euglobulin Clot lysis

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection:minimum amount:
 121
EXACTLY: 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround time: 48 hours
Interpretation: Lysis in 2-10 hours
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FACTOR ASSAYS HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Factor II, Factor V, Factor VII, Factor VIII, Factor IX, Factor X, Factor XI,
Factor XII (as applicable)
Patient Preparation: No anticoagulation therapy should have been administered.
Specimen Collection/Minimum amount:
EXACTLY: 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix anticoagulant and bring to Lab immediately.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 8 hrs
Interpretation: Normals:

Factor II: 73-138% Factor VIII: 60-150% Factor XI: 60-150%

Factor V: 70-145% Factor IX: 60-150% Factor XII: 60-150%
Factor VII: 66-159% Factor X: 61-146%

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FACTOR II (PROTHROMBIN) by PCR - performed as part of the Molecular
Coagulation Panel in Microbiology.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FACTOR V LEIDEN by PCR – performed as part of the Molecular Coagulation Panel
in Microbiology.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FACTOR VIII (8) CONCENTRATE BLOOD BANK

Order As: Ordering Blood Components for Administration KOATE

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: None
Minimum Amount: N/A
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Dependent upon availability of material from supplier
Interpretation: N/A
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 122
FACTOR VIII INHIBITOR HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Factor VIII Coag. Inhib.

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
Collect two (2) – 5ml Blue Top Tubes (Hemogard plastic), each with EXACTLY 2.7 ml
blood
NOTE: Draw other tests first or draw 1/2 tube of blood and discard. Tube must be full.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days
Interpretation: Normal: No inhibitor
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FACTOR IX INHIBITOR HEMATOLOGY

Order: on Miscellaneous Lab slip

Synonym: FIX Inhibitor (Bethesda)
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount:
Collect four (4)- 5ml Blue top tubes (Hemogard plastic), each with exactly 2.7 ml blood.
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 1 week (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: 0-0.8 Bethesda units
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FACTOR Xa HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Factor Xa

Synonyms: Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum amount:
EXACTLY: 2.7 ml blood in a 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
NOTE: Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation:
High Dose Therapy: 1 mg/kg/12 hrs = 100 anti-Xa IU/Kg/24 hrs
2 injections/day, 3 hr after injection: 0.5-1.2 anti-Xa IU/ml
Low Dose Therapy(1 inj/day: 20 mg moderate risk; 40 mg high risk)
Subcutaneous: 20 mg(mod. risk)- 0.20 Anti-Xa IU/ml
40 mg(high risk)– 0.40 anti-Xa IU/ml
 123
FACTOR XI INHIBITOR HEMATOLOGY

Order: on Miscellaneous Lab Slip

Synonym: FXI inhibitor (Bethesda)
Specimen collection/minimum amount:
Patient preparation: none
Collect four (4) – 5ml Blue top tubes (Hemogard plastic), each with exactly 2.7 ml
blood.
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 1 week (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 0 – 0.8 Bethesda units

-------------------------------------------------------------------

FACTOR XIII HEMATOLOGY

Order as: FXIII

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, minimum amount:
EXACTLY: 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: FXIII detected
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAT, QUALITATIVE (URINE OR FECES) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Fat qualitative (urine)or Fecal Fat qualitative, as applicable

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
1. Random urine - 10 ml
2. Random stool
Stat?: NoWeekends/Holidays: No
turnaround Time: 24 Hr
Interpretation: Normals: Random urine: Negative
Random stool: up to 60 droplets/HPF
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAT, QUANTITATIVE (FECAL) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Fecal Fat Quantitative

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: All fecal samples for 72 hrs in container provided by laboratory.
Minimum Amount: N/A Stat?: No
 124
Weekends/Holidays: Accepted - yes; tested - no.
Turnaround Time: 1 week (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 0 - 6 years: 0.0 - 2.0 gm/24 hr
6 years - Adult: 0.0 - 7.0 gm/24 hr.

FEBRILE AGGLUTININ CHEMISTRY

Order As: Febrile Agglutinins

NOTE: Consult with Clinical Pathologist for alternate procedures

before ordering.

Patient Preparation: None

Specimen Collection/minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 1 week (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretations: Normals: B. abortus: Titer <1:40
Salmonella typhi "O": Titer <1:80
Salmonella typhi "H": Titer <1:80
Paratyphi "A" & "B" : Titer <1:80
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FEP (Free Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Miscellaneous - FEP

Synonym: FEP, ZPP
Includes: Zinc protoporphyrins and free erythrocyte protoporhyrins
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum Amount:
Royal blue EDTA lead-free
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 5 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: FEP: 0-34 ug/dl; ZPP: 0-38 ug/dl
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FERRITIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Ferritin

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum Amount: 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Female: 9 - 120 ng/ml; Male: 18 - 370 ng/ml
 125
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FETAL CELL SCREENING BLOOD BANK

Order As: Fetal Cell Screen

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in purple-top tube
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Same day
Interpretation: Normal: Negative.

FETAL FIBRONECTIN (fFN) CHEMISTRY

Order as: Fetal Fibronectin

Patient preparation: Symptomatic pregnant women between 24 and 34 weeks, 6 day
gestation and asymptomatic pregnant women between 22 and 30 weeks, 6 days gestation.
Specimen collection: vaginal specimen obtained using Adeza Biomedical Specimen
collection kit.
Stat? Yes
Weekend/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat 90 min; Routine 4 hours
Interpretation: Negative
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FETAL HEMOGLOBIN (SCREEN) - See ABT TEST

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FIBRINOGEN HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Fibrinogen

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum Amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml blood in a 5 ml Blue Top tube (hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr; Routine: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 198 - 427 mg/dl
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FIBRINOGEN ANTIGEN HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Fibrinogen antigen on a miscellaneous slip

Patient preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml blood in a 5 ml Blue Top tube (hemogard plastic)
 126
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 48 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 180 - 400 mg/dl

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FK506 - See TACROLIMUS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FLUORESCENT TREPONEMAL ANTIBODY - See FTA

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOLATE, SERUM (FOLIC ACID) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Folate (serum)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube.
PROTECT SPECIMEN FROM LIGHT.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: Routine: 4 hours – DAY SHIFT ONLY
Interpretation: Normal: Greater than 2.8 ng/ml
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE, SERUM OR URINE CHEMISTRY

See FSH, SERUM OR URINE

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FREE ERYTHROCYTE PROTOPORPHYRIN - See FEP

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FRESH FROZEN PLASMA BLOOD BANK

Order As: Ordering Blood Components for Administration/

Fresh Frozen Plasma
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
Adult: 10 ml blood in purple-top tube.
Infant: 0.5 ml blood in pediatric purple-top tube
Label with:
(1) patient’s full name and Medical Record number, or Trauma number exactly as it
 127
appears on the Identaband, (2) date of collection also time if possible), and (3) circled
signature of the person who drew the specimen and a second verifying signature. The
information can be written directly on the vacutainer tube label or on a Blood Bank
specimen label(available from Blood Bank), taking care not to obscure the blank tube label
beneath.
IMPORTANT: INCORRECTLY LABELED SPECIMENS WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED BY THE BLOOD BANK.

Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 45 min. to thaw immediately prior to transfusion.
Interpretation: N/A

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), Serum CHEMISTRY

Order As: FSH

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes (run 7 days/week, day shift)
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation:
Adult male: 1.0 – 8.0 MIU/ml
Adult female:
Follicular 4.0 – 13.0 MIU/ml
Mid-cycle 5.0 – 22.0 MIU/ml
Luteal 2.0 – 13.0 MIU/ml
Post-menopausal 20.0 – 138.0 MIU/ml

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FTA (SERUM or CSF) CHEMISTRY

Order As: FTA/ABS (serum) or FTA/ABS (CSF), as applicable

Synonym: Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
1. 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2. 1 ml CSF
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 24-48 hours (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative (Non-reactive).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 128
FTI (FREE THYROXINE INDEX) CHEMISTRY

Order as: Miscellaneous - FTI (Must also order T3 uptake and T4 total)
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
The FTI is a calculation derived from T3 uptake and Total T4. It must be ordered in
conjunction with these 2 tests, which together require 2 ml blood in gel barrier
tube.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 1.0 – 5.0

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FUNGAL SMEAR - (KOH, INDIA INK) - See Microbiology Section F

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FUNGI CULTURE - See Microbiology Section E

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GC CULTURE - See Microbiology Section B

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GENTAMICIN LEVEL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Gentamicin Peak, trough or random as applicable.

Patient Preparation: Patient must have received the aminoglycoside listed.
Specimen Collection/Minimum amount: 3 ml blood in Red Top Tube
1. Peak Level
a) Drug given I.M.: Blood drawn 1 hr after injection
b) Drug given I.V: Blood drawn at the end of infusion
2. Trough Level - Blood drawn just prior to administration of next dosage of gentamicin.
NOTE: Patient should have been on the aminoglycoside for 24 hours before a trough
level is drawn.
Stat?: Yes (Nursery only)
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr.; Routine: 1 day
Interpretation: Therapeutic Gentamicin serum levels:
Random: 1.0 – 10.0 ug/ml
Peak: 5-10 ug/ml
Trough: <2 ug/ml (adult)
<1 ug/ml (neonates)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 129
GGTP (GAMMA GLUTAMYL TRANSPEPTIDASE) CHEMISTRY

Order As: GGTP

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr; Routine: 4 hrs
Interpretation: Normal - Male: 15-85 U/L; Female: 5-55 U/L
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GLUCOSE, BODY FLUID or CSF CHEMISTRY

Order As: Glucose Body Fluid or Glucose CSF as applicable

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 1) 0.5 ml CSF
2) 0.5 ml cavity fluid
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr.; Routine: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal:
1) CSF glucose is 2/3 - 3/4 of blood glucose drawn at the same time.
2) Synovial fluid glucose is the same as blood glucose drawn at the same time.
3) Glucose normal value for other body fluids varies with source of specimen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GLUCOSE, (SERUM) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Glucose Fasting or Glucose random, as applicable

Patient Preparation: Random - None
Fasting - NPO from midnight to test
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
1. 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2. Red Top Microtainer with serum separator - fill 1/2 full.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr; Routine: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 68-122 mg/dl (fasting)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GLUCOSE, 2 HR. POST PRANDIAL (2 HR PP) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Glucose 2 hr Post Prandial (PP)

Patient Preparation:
1. NPO from midnight until test
2. Unless otherwise indicated, a glucose solution is given at approximately 6AM
 130
3. The glucose solution is obtained from the/Diagnostic Technician Service prior to the
test
4. The Diagnostic technician will draw a blood sugar exactly 2 hrs later (Blood may also
be drawn 2 hrs. after a meal - dependent on physician’s orders).
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
1. 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2. Gold Top Microtainer with serum separator - Fill to the clear-banded area
of the Microtainer tube.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: 68-122 mg/dl
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GLUCOSE, QUANTITATIVE (URINE) URINALYSIS

Order As: Glucose-Quant (24 hr urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 24 hr. urine collection.
NOTE: Boric acid or Sodium fluoride must be added to the specimen container
prior to collection.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 24 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 0 - 500 mg/24 hr.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GLUCOSE TOLERANCE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Glucose Tolerance Test 1 hr, 3 hrs or 6 hrs as applicable

Includes: Serum and urine glucose levels for each specimen
Patient Preparation:
NOTE: THIS TEST IS NOT INDICATED IF PATIENT IS ACUTELY ILL.

1. Must be scheduled with Diagnostic Technicians (x4829). Give patient’s height and
weight.
2. Patient should ingest at least 150 gm. of carbohydrates per day for 3 days preceding
test.
3. Discontinue for 3 days preceding test all drugs proven or believed to influence
glucose tolerance including hormones, oral contraceptives and hypoglycemic agents
4. No food intake for 8 hrs. prior to test. Water ad lib.

Specimen Collection:
1. Collect a morning urine prior to glucose beverage ingestion. Label this specimen
"Fasting".
2. The Diagnostic Technician will collect a fasting blood specimen and administer an
oral glucose beverage.
 131
3. Blood samples will be collected by the Diagnostic Tech at hourly intervals up to 6
hrs. as per M.D.'s orders.
4. The Nursing Unit should collect urine specimens at or about the same times as blood
collection and label them clearly. The Lab will not accept unlabeled specimens. No
preservative is required.
5. Send urine specimens to Laboratory.
Minimum Amount: (each hour)
1. 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube, OR
Gold Top Microtainer with serum separator - fill 1/2 full
2. Each urine specimen - 5 ml
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 24 hrs.
Interpretation: Normals: Fasting: 68-122 mg/dl
1 hour (peak): <185 mg/dl
1-1/2 hours: <160 mg/dl
2 hours: <140 mg/dl

At least 2 of these figures must be abnormal for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. If a
single value is abnormal, it should be considered suspicious.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

G-6-PD (GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE CHEMISTRY

Order As: G6PD

Includes: RBC count
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
6 ml blood in YELLOW Top Tube (ACD solution B) OR
minimum 1 ml in lavender top tube
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 3 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 146-376 units/trillion RBC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GROUP AND TYPE (ABO/RH) BLOOD BANK

Order As: ABO/RH Newborn, ABO/RH Obstetrics, or ABO/RH Type,

as applicable
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection:
Purple-top tube. Label with (1) patient’s full name and Medical record number or Trauma
number exactly as it appears on the Identaband,(2) date of collection (also time if possible),
and (3) circled signature of the person who drew the specimen and a second verifying
signature. The information can be written directly on the vacutainer tube label or on a Blood
 132
Bank specimen label (available from Blood Bank), taking care not to obscure the blank tube
label beneath.

IMPORTANT: INCORRECTLY LABELED SPECIMENS WILL NOT BE

ACCEPTED BY THE BLOOD BANK.

Minimum Amount: Adult: 5 ml blood in a purple-top tube

Infant: 0.5 ml blood in a pediatric purple-top tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Routine: 4 hrs. Stat: 15 min. (if Rh-Neg:; 35 min)
Interpretation: N/A
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GROWTH HORMONE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Human Growth Hormone

Synonyms: HGH; Human Growth Hormone; Somatotropin; STH
Patient Preparation: Fasting and at complete rest for 30 minutes prior to specimen
collection.
Specimen Collection/ Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3-5 days. (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 0.0 – 6.0 ng/ml
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZA ANTIBODY MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Haemophilus Ab

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekend/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 7 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: See report.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAM TEST - See AUTOHEMOLYSIS TEST

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HAPTOGLOBIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Haptoglobin

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
 133
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: Daily Mon - Fri
Interpretation: Normal: 33-171 mg/dl

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HDL (HIGH DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN LEVEL) CHEMISTRY

Order As: HDL or as part of the Lipid Profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, calculated
LDL)
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 8 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 35 – 150 mg/dl

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEAVY METALS (URINE) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Heavy Metals (urine)

Includes: Arsenic, lead, mercury, creatinine
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: 60 ml random urine or 24 hr urine
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: See report

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEINZ BODY HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Heinz Body Prep.
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
1. 1 ml blood in 5 ml Lavender Top Tube (Hemogard tube).
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen; or
2. Micro specimens to be collected by Diagnostic Techs.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Negative.

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 134
HELICOBACTER PYLORI ANTIBODY -

See ANTI-HELICOBACTER ANTIBODY

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEMATOCRIT HEMATOLOGY

Can be ordered individually or as part of a CBC; same protocol at CBC

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEMOGLOBIN HEMATOLOGY

Can be ordered individually or as part of a CBC; same protocol as CBC

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEMOGLOBIN A1C CHEMISTRY

Order as: Hemoglobin A1C

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 1 Lavender Top Tube (blood)
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal Adult: 4.1 - 5.5%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEMOGLOBIN A2 QUANTITATIVE HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Hgb A2 Quantitative

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/ minimum amount:
1 ml blood in 5 ml Lavender Top Tube (Hemogard tube).
Micro specimens: 400 lambda blood in Lavender microtainer.
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: Test performed twice per week (Wed. & Fri)
Interpretation: Normal: A2: 0.1 - 3.8%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEMOGLOBIN ELECTROPHORESIS HEMATOLOGY

Order As: HGB Electrophoresis

Includes: Alkaline electrophoresis and CBC. Based upon the results of this test, the
pathologist may request that the following procedures be performed: Acid Electrophoresis,
Quantitative Hgb A2, Kleihauer-Betke, Sickle Cell Screen.
Patient preparation: None
 135
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
3 ml blood in 5 ml Lavender Top Tube (Hemogard tube).
Micro specimens: 2 – 400 lambda blood in Lavender microtainers.
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: Test performed in Lab on Wednesday
Interpretation: Pathologist interpretive report will be issued.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEMOGLOBIN H STAIN HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Hgb H stain
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
1 ml blood in 5 ml Lavender top tube (Hemogard) or
Micro specimens:400 lambda blood in Lavender microtainer.
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Deliver to Hematology Lab immediately.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 8 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEPARIN ASSAY (UNFRACTIONATED) HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Heparin Assay

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount:
EXACTLY: 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue Top Tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround time: 24 hours
Interpretation:
High Dose Therapy (400-800 IU/Kg/24 hrs)
Heparin Administration by Result
- Perfusion 0.40-0.60 IU/ml
- Intermittent intravenous
(1 hr before next injection) 0.15-0.30 IU/ml
- Subcutaneous (2-3 inj/day)
(1 hr before injection) 0.15-0.30 IU/ml
Between 2 inj.(peak level) 0.40-0.60 IU/ml
Low Dose Therapy (subcutaneous 2-3 inj/day, 200 IU/Kg/24 hr
- 1 hr before next injection < 0.1 IU/ml
- Between 2 injections 0.10-0.15 IU/ml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 136
HEPARIN INDUCED PLATELET ANTIBODY HEMATOLOGY

Order: HIPA
Synonym: HIT, HAT, HITA, HIPA
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: Batched test – 2 times per week
Interpretation: Normal: negative

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEPATIC FUNCTION PANEL CHEMISTRY

Order as: Hepatic Function Panel

Includes: Albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, ALT, AST, total
protein
Patient preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Interpretation: Normals:
Albumin 3.5-5.6 g/dl
Bilirubin, total 0.6-1.0 mg/dl
Bilirubin, direct 0-0.4 mg/dl
Alk phos 43-122 IU/L
ALT Female 0-45 IU/L
Male 0-55 IU/L
AST 10-30 IU/L
Total Protein 6.0 – 8.3 gm/dl

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEPATITIS A CHEMISTRY

Order As: Hepatitis A Total

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: Monday – Friday 24 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: Non-reactive

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 137
HEPATITIS A IgM CHEMISTRY

Order as: HEP A IgM

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: Monday – Friday 24 hours
Intepretation: Normal Hep A IgM – Negative

NOTE: Testing of persons with no clinical symptoms of acute viral hepatitis, and among
populations with a low prevalence of acute HAV infection, lowers the predictive value of
the IgM anti-HAV test. Diagnostic tests for viral hepatitis, including licensed IgM anti-
HAV tests, are highly sensitive and specific when used on specimens from persons with
acute hepatitis. However, their use among persons without symptoms of hepatitis A can
lead to IgM anti-HAV test results that are false positive for acute HAV infection.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEPATITIS ACUTE PANEL CHEMISTRY

Order as: Hepatitis Acute Panel

Includes: Hepatitis A IgM, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C (HCV),
Hepatitis B core IgM
Patient Prep: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum amount: 1 full gel barrier tube
Turnaround Time: 24 hours Monday - Friday
Interpretation: Normal: Non-reactive

NOTE: A positive HCV antibody will automatically be referred for confirmation by

RIBA (immunoblot assay). A positive HBsAg will be confirmed by a second
methodology.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEPATITIS B CORE ANTIBODY (HBcAb) CHEMISTRY

Order as: Hepatitis B Core Ab

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround time:24 hours Monday - Friday.
Interpretation: Normal: Non-reactive

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 138
HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIBODY (HBsAb) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Hepatitis B Surface Antibody

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Non-reactive
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN (HBsAg) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: Stat ONLY for females in labor with no pre-natal work-up. Chemistry must be
notified at ext. 4862 for the stat priority to be recognized.
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 24 hours Monday - Friday
Interpretation:
Normal: Non-reactive
Positive specimens are confirmed by a second methodology.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEPATITIS C ANTIBODY CHEMISTRY

Order as: Hepatitis C

Synonym: Anti-HCV
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 24 hours (Monday – Friday)
Interpretation: Normal: Non-reactive

NOTE: A positive Hepatitis C antibody will automatically be referred for

confirmation by RIBA (immunoblot assay).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HER-2/NEU

Routinely performed on invasive breast carcinomas. Test can be performed on archival

material. Contact Christopher Koenig, MD, at ext. 4889 with any questions. See BREAST
CANCER PROFILE for additional information.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 139

HETEROPHILE ANTIBODY CHEMISTRY

Order As: Heterophile Antibody Screen

Synonyms: Monospot, Monotest
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: Performed Monday – Friday Day shift
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEXAGONAL PHOSPHOLIPID NEUTRALIZATION HEMATOLOGY

Order as Miscellaneous test

Synonym: Hex-phase pl
Patient preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
Collect two (2) – 5 ml Blue top tubes (hemogard plastic), each with exactly 2.7 ml
blood. Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 1 week (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 0-10 seconds

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT KININOGEN HEMATOLOGY

Order as: High Molecular Weight Kininogen on a Miscellaneous slip.

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount:
Collect four (4) - 5 ml Blue top tubes(hemogard plastic), each with exactly 2.7 ml
blood. Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround time: 48 hours
Interpretation: 65 – 135%

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HISTOPLASMA ANTIBODY MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Histoplasma Ab

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
 140
Stat?: No
Weekends/ Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 7 - 10 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative.
Note: Any significant rise in titer from acute to convalescent phase serum is diagnostic of
infection.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HLA TYPING DR CHEMISTRY

Order As: Miscellaneous - HLA DR 2

Patient Preparation: Test must be scheduled in advance.
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
7 ml blood into Lavender or Yellow top tube
SPECIMENS MUST BE DRAWN MON – THURS BEFORE NOON
Note: Please specify if for tissue-typing or transplant
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 3 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: See report

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HLAB 27 ANTIGEN –
Performed in Special Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory ext. 4965

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOMOCYSTEINE CHEMISTRY

Order as: Homocysteine

Patient preparation: None
Methodology: Fluorescence polarization
Specimen collection: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Note: As the synthesis of homocysteine will continue in red blood cells even after
specimen collection, it is very important to centrifuge and separate plasma and
serum from the blood cells. Samples may be kept on ice for up to 6 hours prior
to separation by centrifugation. Centrifuge samples at 1000xg for 10 minutes.
Stat? No
Weekend/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 24 hours Monday - Friday
Interpretation: Normal 0 - 15 umol/L
------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
 141
HOMOVANILLIC ACID (HVA)- 24 hr urine CHEMISTRY

Order As: HVA (24 hr Urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 24 hour urine collection.
Note: 50% acetic acid must be added to the specimen container prior to collection.
Contact Chemistry x 4862. HANDLE BOTTLE CAREFULLY.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 1 - 6 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 0.0 – 10.0 mg/24 hrs

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17-HYDROXYPROGESTERONE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Hydroxyprogesterone – 17

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in red top tube (rev. 6/2012)
Stat?:No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 1 week (Reference Laboratory test)
Interpretation: Normal: Male: 5-160 ng/dl
Female: follicular 30 – 100 ng/dl
Luteal 20 – 290 ng/dl
Pregnant 40 – 1540 ng/dl
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HYDROXYPROLINE,TOTAL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Hydroxyproline, total (24 hr urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 24 hour urine collection with 6N HCL
preservative before collection. Contact Chemistry x 4862. HANDLE BOTTLE
CAREFULLY.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 7 - 43 mg/24 hr

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HYPERSENSITIVITY PNEUMONITIS PANEL MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Panel

Synonym: Aspergillus sensitivity test
Includes: Aspergillis fumigatis #1 Ab, Aureobasisium pullulans Ab, Micropolysporafaeni
 142
Ab, Pigeon serum Ab, Thermoactinomyces sacchari Ab, Thermoactinomyces vulgaris #1
Ab.
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 7 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: See reference report

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IFA LEGIONELLA - See LEGIONELLA, IFA

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IgE – Refer to Special Diagnostic Immunology Manual.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IgG, IgA, IgM - See IMMUNOGLOBULINS

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IgG SUBCLASSES HEMATOLOGY

Order As: IgG subclass (1-4)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: Batched once per week
Interpretation: Normal ranges are age dependent
Adult: IgG subclass 1: 4.22 - 12.92 gm/L
subclass 2: 1.17 - 7.47 gm/L
subclass 3: 0.41 - 1.29 gm/L
subclass 4: 0.01 - 2.91 gm/l
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IgG SYNTHESIS RATE CHEMISTRY

Order As: IgG synthesis rate

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Specimen collected by physician
Minimum Amount: 3 ml CSF and 3 ml blood gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 5 days (Reference Lab test)
Interpretation: IgG CSF: 0.0-8.6 mg/dl
Albumin CSF: 11-48 mg/dl
IgG serum: 700-1600 mg/dl
 143
Albumin serum: 3.5-5.5 g/dl
IgG/albumin CSF: 0.00-0.25
CSF/IgG index: 0.0-0.7
CSF/serum alb index: 0-8
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IMIPRAMINE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Imipramine

Synonym: Tofranil
Patient Preparation: Collect immediately prior to next dose.
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 8 ml blood in a red top tube without serum
separator
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Specimen will be accepted
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 150-250 ng/ml

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IMMUNE COMPLEXES, C1q BINDING CHEMISTRY

Order as: Immune complexes, C1q

Synonym: Immune complexes C1q binding test, C1q Immune Complexes
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 3-5 days (Reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Neg: Less than 4.4 ug Eq/ml
Pos: greater than 10.7 ug Eq/ml
Equivocal: 4.4 – 10.7 ug Eq/ml
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IMMUNE COMPLEXES, RAJI CELL CHEMISTRY

Order as: Miscellaneous – Immune complexes Raji Cell

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 3-5 days (Reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Less than or equal to 15 ug Eq/ml
Equivocal: 15.1 – 19.9 ug Eq/ml
Positive: Greater than or equal to 20 ug Eq/ml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 144
IMMUNOFIXATION HEMATOLOGY

Order As: IFE SERUM, IFE URINE (as appropriate)

Synonyms: Immunoelectrophoresis, IFE Serum, IFE Urine
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
For IFE, serum: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
For IFE, urine: 24 hour urine
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: Test batched 2x weekly
Interpretation by Pathologist
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IMMUNOGLOBULINS (IgG, IgA, IgM), SERUM CHEMISTRY

Order As: Immunoglobulins Quant (all) or individually

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
1) 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2) 2 gold top microtainers with serum separator
Stat?: no
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: Test performed daily Mon-Fri
Interpretation: Adult Normal IgG: 613 - 1295 mg/dl
IgA: 69 - 309 mg/dl
IgM: 53 - 334 mg/dl
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INDIA INK PREP - See Microbiology Section F (Fungal Smear)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INDIRECT COOMBS BLOOD BANK

Order As: Coombs Test (indirect)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
10 ml blood in a purple-top tube. Label with (1) patient’s full name and medical record
number or trauma/downtime number EXACTLY as it appears on the identaband, (2) date
of collection (also time if possible), and (3) circled signature of the person who drew the
specimen and a second verifying signature. This information can be written directly on
the vacutainer tube label or on a blood bank specimen label (available from the Blood
Bank), taking care not to obscure the blank label beneath.
IMPORTANT: INCORRECTLY LABELED SPECIMENS WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED BY THE BLOOD BANK.
 145
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 45 min.; Routine: same day
Interpretation: Normal: Negative

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INSULIN ANTIBODY CHEMISTRY

Order As: Insulin Antibody

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 5 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: < 1.0 units/ml

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INSULIN LEVEL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Insulin level

Patient Preparation: Fasting
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 - 5 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 0 – 24.9 uIU/ml

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INSULIN TOLERANCE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Insulin Tolerance Test

Patient Preparation: Fasting
Specimen Collection/minimum amount: Each specimen should be 5 ml blood in a gel
barrier tube
a) Draw fasting specimen
b) Inject or administer orally the stimulating agent as ordered by the physician
c) Draw specimen over the next 2 hours at timed intervals specified by the physician
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 3-5 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Consult pathologist

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 146
INTESTINAL PARASITES - See Microbiology Section H

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IONIZED CALCIUM CHEMISTRY

Order as: Calcium, Ionized

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection, Minimum amount:
1. 10 ml blood in GREEN TOP TUBE.
2. Green-top Pediatric tube
Stat? Yes Weekends/Holidays? Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr; Routine: 4 hrs
Interpretation: Normal: 4.75 – 5.30 mg/dl

NOTE: This test can be performed by Respiratory Care ONLY in NICU and PICU in
conjunction with Blood Gases.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IONTOPHORESIS - See SWEAT TEST

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IRON BINDING CAPACITY (IBC) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Iron total/TIBC/%Sat

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 208 - 428 mcg/dl
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IRON, TOTAL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Iron

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 Hours
Interpretation: Normal: Male: 49-181 mcg/dl Female: 37-170 mcg/dl

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 147
JOINT FLUID CRYSTALS CHEMISTRY

Order as: Joint fluid for crystals

Patient preparation: none
Specimen collection: joint fluid in green top tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround time: 24-48 hours
Interpretation: crystal identification
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KAOLIN CLOTTING TIME HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Kaolin Clotting time on a miscellaneous slip

Patient preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml in a 5 ml Blue top Hemogard plastic tube.
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround time: 48 hours
Interpretation: 50 – 130 units
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KEPPRA CHEMISTRY

Order as: Keppra

Synonym: Levetiracetam
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum amount: 3 ml blood in a gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3-5 days (Reference Lab procedure
Interpretation: 5-63 ug/ml

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17-KETOGENIC STEROIDS CHEMISTRY

Order As: 17-Ketogenic steroids

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 24 hour urine collection.
Note: 50% acetic acid must be added to the specimen container prior to collection.
Call the Chemistry Section at ext. 4862. (revised: 6/2012)
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 1 week (reference lab procedure)
 148
Interpretation: Normals: Female: 3-15 mg/24 hrs
Male: 5-23 mg/24 hrs
Children: Up to 1 mg/24 hrs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17-KETOSTEROIDS CHEMISTRY

Order As: 17 Ketosteroids, 24 hr urine

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 24 hour urine collection.
Note: 50% acetic acid must be added to the specimen container prior to collection.
Call the Chemistry Section at ext. 4862. (revised: 6/2012)
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 1 week (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normals:
>16 years male: 10-25 mg/24 hrs
female: 6-14 mg/24 hrs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KLEIHAUER-BETKE (FETAL HGB STAIN) HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Kleihauer-Betke

Patient Preparation: None – Test can be performed up to 72 hours post partum.
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
1 ml blood in 5 ml Lavender top tube(Hemogard tube).
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 8 hours (Specimen must be received by 11 AM)
Interpretation: Normal: 0% - 0.6% fetal cells
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KOATE - See FACTOR VIII (8) CONCENTRATE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KOH SMEAR - See Microbiology Section

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LACTIC ACID ( LACTATE - Plasma or CSF) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Lactic Acid

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
1) Plasma: 1 full gray top tube
2) CSF: 1 ml
DO NOT SEND SPECIMEN THROUGH THE PNEUMATIC TUBE SYSTEM.
 149
TRANSPORT IMMEDIATELY TO LABORATORY BY COURIER
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Venous: 0.5-2.2 mmol/l
Arterial: 0.5-1.6 mmol/l
CSF: 0.6-2.2 mmol/l
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LACTOSE TOLERANCE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Miscellaneous - Lactose Tolerance Test

Patient Preparation:
1) Schedule test with Chemistry X 4862 at least 24 hours in advance.
2) At or about 8 AM, the Diagnostic Technician will draw a fasting blood specimen and
administer an oral lactose solution (100gm in 300 ml water).
NOTE: For infants and children, a dose of 1.7 gm/kg body weight is used. Inform
the laboratory at the time of scheduling if the patient is in this age category.
3) At 15 min, 30 min, 1 hour, 1 ½ and 2 hour intervals, blood specimens will be drawn by
the technician.
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 1 Grey top tube for each specimen.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: A flat lactose tolerance curve indicates either a deficiency of lactose or an
inability to absorb hexose.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA PROFILE (LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT) HEMATOLOGY

WITH CLINICAL INTERPRETATION

Order As: LA Profile with clin interp

Includes: PT, PTT, Thrombin Time, DRVVT (LA Screen and Confirm), and interpretation
by Pathologist. Depending upon the test results, may also include: PT Mixing Study, PTT
Mixing Study (1:1), PTT Mixing Study(4:1), Factors II,V, VII,VIII, IX, X, XI, XII.
Patient Preparation: Patient must not be on any anticoagulant therapy.
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
2.7 ml blood in each of three 5 ml Blue top tubes (Hemogard plastic).
Invert to mix specimens with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
 150
Interpretation: All LA Profiles that are outside the established reference ranges and for
which a pathologist interpretation has been requested, will be reviewed and signed out by a
pathologist. LA Profile values that are within reference ranges will be reported as within the
reference range by the Section head or Assistant Section Head and will not be reviewed by a
pathologist.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA PROFILE (LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT) HEMATOLOGY

WITHOUT CLINICAL INTERPRETATION

Order As: LA Profile no clin interp

Includes: PT, PTT, Thrombin Time, DRVVT (LA Screen and Confirm).
Patient Preparation:
Patient must not be on any anticoagulant therapy.
Specimen Collection/minimum amount: 2.7 ml blood in each of three 5 ml Blue top tubes
(Hemogard plastic). Invert to mix specimens with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: See normals for individual tests
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LD (Body fluid, CSF) CHEMISTRY

Order As: LD (Body fluid) or LD (CSF) as applicable

Synonym: Lactic dehydrogenase
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 1) 3 ml body fluid, 2) 1 ml CSF
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Up to 108 IU/L
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LD (Serum) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Total LD

Synonym: Lactic dehydrogenase
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/ Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 313-618 IU/L
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 151

LDL (LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN) - CALCULATED CHEMISTRY

Order as part of the Lipid Panel, which includes: cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL,
calculated LDL.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LDL DIRECT CHEMISTRY

Order As: LDL direct

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/ Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3 days (Reference Lab test)
Interpretation: desirable: less than 130 mg/dl
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LEAD (BLOOD) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Lead

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
Preferred: 3 ml in ROYAL BLUE top tube
Will accept: 3 ml in TAN top tube
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Adult: 0-40 ug/dl (OSHA standard); Child: 0- 9 ug/dl
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LEAD (URINE) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Lead (24 hr urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 24 hour urine collection.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Less than 80 ug/24 hrs.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LECITHIN/SPHINGOMYELIN RATIO - See LS/PG

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 152
LEGIONELLA ANTIGEN, URINARY MICROBIOLOGY

Order as: Legionella Antigen

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 10 ml random urine
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 24 hours (Monday – Friday)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LEGIONELLA - IFA HEMATOLOGY

Order As: IFA Legionella

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in red top tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: Test batched twice weekly
Interpretation: Less than 1:128
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LEUKOCYTE ACID PHOSPHATASE STAIN HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Leukocyte Acid Phos

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection:
1) 1 ml blood in 5 ml Lavender top tube (Hemogard).
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
2) 2-4 Bone marrow smears or peripheral smears.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 8 hours
Interpretation: Consult pathologist
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LEUKOCYTE ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Leukocyte Alk Phos

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in 10 ml Green top tube.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 8 hours
Interpretation: 32-182%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 153
LEUKOCYTE CONCENTRATE BLOOD BANK

Order As: Ordering blood components for administration/leukocyte concentrate

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection:
Purple-top tube. Label with (1)patient’s full name and Medical Record number or
Trauma number exactly as it appears on the Identaband, (2) date of collection also
time if possible), and (3) circled signature signature of the person who drew the
specimen and a second verifying signature. The information can be written directly on
the vacutainer tube label or on a Blood Bank specimen label (available from Blood
Bank), taking care not to obscure the blank tube label beneath.
IMPORTANT: INCORRECTLY LABELED SPECIMENS WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED BY THE BLOOD BANK.
Minimum amount: Adult: 7 ml blood in a 10 ml purple-top tube
Infant: 2 ml blood in a pediatric purple-top tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: Dependent on donor availability
Interpretation: N/A

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIGHT CHAINS, FREE (URINE KAPPA/LAMBDA) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Urine Kappa/Lambda Quantitation

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: 24 hour urine. No preservative.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: no
Turnaround Time: 5 days (Reference Laboratory test)
Interpretation: Urine Kappa 1.35 – 24.19 mg/L
Urine Lambda 0.24 – 6.66 mg/L

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIPASE (SERUM) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Lipase

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr; Routine: 4 hrs
Interpretation: Normal: 23-300 U/L

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 154
LIPID PANEL CHEMISTRY
Order As: HDL/LDL
Includes: Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL (calculated).
Patient Preparation: Fasting
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 8 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal:
Cholesterol: <200 mg/dl
Triglycerides: 60-160 mg/dl
HDL: 35-150 mg/dl
LDL (calculated): 0-129 mg/dl

NOTES:
a direct LDL will be performed when a Lipid Panel triglyceride value is greater than
400 mg/dl
The ordering physician/hospital service will be notified of a triglyceride level equal
to or greater than 200 mg/dl on patients from birth to 1 year of age ONLY.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIPIDS, TOTAL (SERUM) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Lipids (Total)

Patient Preparation: Fasting 14-16 hours
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Adult: 250-850 mg/dl

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LITHIUM CHEMISTRY

Order As: Lithium

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: yes
Weekends/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr; Routine: same day
Interpretation: Therapeutic range: 0.5-1.0 mEq/L; Toxic: Greater than 2.0 mEq/L

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 155
LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN - See LDL

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT HEPARIN (LMWH) – See FACTOR Xa

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LS/PG RATIO (Amniotic Fluid) CHEMISTRY

Order as: LS/PG Ratio

Synonym: Lecithin/Sphingomyelin Ratio,L/S Ratio,Phosphatidyl Glycerol
Includes: PG and Creatinine
Patient Preparation: Contact Ultrasound (X 2202) and notify Chemistry Section (X 4862)
when procedure is scheduled.
Specimen Collection: 7 ml amniotic fluid. PROTECT FROM LIGHT.
Stat?: Stat reference lab pickup is available for this test. Turnaround time is 6 hours from
receipt at Labcorp.
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 24 hours (Reference Lab)
Interpretation: Ratio greater than 2:1 indicates adequate fetal lung maturity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT PROFILE - See LA PROFILE with or without
clinical interpretation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT SCREEN HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Lupus anticoagulant screen

Synonym: DRVVT, Dilute Russell Viper Venom
Includes: LA Screen and LA Confirmatory
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
EXACTLY: 2.7 ml blood in 3 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic).
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: LA Screen: Negative; LA Confirmatory: < 1.20
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH), SERUM CHEMISTRY

Order As: Leuteinizing Hormone (LH)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
 156
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: Run 7 days/week, Day shift.
Interpretation: Normals:
Adult males: 1.4-7.7 MIU/ml
Adult females:
Follicular 1.6-8.3 MIU/ml
Luteal 0.0-8.1 MIU/ml
Oral contraceptives 0.0-8.0 MIU/ml
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LYME ANTIBODY (CSF) MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Lyme antibody (CSF)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 1 ml CSF
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 7 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LYME ELISA G & M HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Lyme Immunoglobulin G/M

Synonym: Lyme titer
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: Batched test performed once per week.
Interpretation: Normal: Negative = 0 - 0.99 LIV
NOTE: All specimens with equivocal or positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA)
findings for Borrelia burgdorferi IgG/IgM will reflexively be sent out for supplemental
Western Blot testing prior to reporting the final results.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LYME DISEASE WESTERN BLOT CHEMISTRY

Order As: Lyme western blot

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 7 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 157
LYSOZYME (MURAMIDASE) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Lysozyme, serum

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml lavender top tube (rev. 6/2012)
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 4 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Male: 3.0-12.8 ug/ml; Female: 2.5-12.9 ug/ml

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MACROSCOPIC EXAMINATION, INSECT MICROBIOLOGY

Order as: Macroscopic Examination, Parasitiology

Patient Prep: None
Specimen collection: Place suspect insect in a tightly secured container.
Stat: No
Weekend/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: Final report: 24 – 72 hours
Interpretation: Species identification dependent on specimen quality.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MACROSCOPIC EXAMINATION, WORM MICROBIOLOGY

Order as: Macroscopic Examination, Worm

Patient Prep: None
Specimen collection: Place suspect worm in a tightly secured container.
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: Final report: 24 – 72 hours
Interpretation: Species identification dependent on specimen quality.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAGNESIUM CHEMISTRY

Order As: Magnesium

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: 1.8-2.4 mg/dl

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 158
MALARIAL SMEAR - See Microbiology Section I

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEGALOBLASTIC ANEMIA PANEL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Megaloblastic Anemia Panel

Includes: Homocysteine, Methylmelonic acid, 2-Methylcitric acid and cystathionone
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: normal: Homocysteine: 5.1 – 13.9 umol/L
Methylmelonic acid: 73 – 376 umol/L
2-methylcitric acid: 60-228 nmol/L
cystathionone: 44-342 nmol/L

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEPHOBARBITAL (MEBARAL) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Mephobarbital

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
5 ml blood in a red top tube without serum separator
or 1 lavender top tube.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 2 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 8 – 15 mcg/ml

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

METANEPHRINES CHEMISTRY

Order As: Metanephrines

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 24 hour urine collection.
Note: Hydrochloric acid (HCL) must be added to the specimen container prior to
collection. Contact Chemistry x4862. Handle bottle carefully.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 5 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Normetanephrine 82 - 500 ug/24 hr
Metanephrine 45 - 290 ug/24 hr
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 159

METHANOL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Methanol

Synonym: Methyl alcohol
Patient Preparation: DO NOT PREPARE SITE WITH ALCOHOL SWAB.
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
Blood: 4 ml in grey top tube or 4 ml in green top tube or
4 ml in a lavender top tube.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 2 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

METHOTREXATE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Methotrexate peak, trough or random as applicable.

Patient Preparation: Patient must be on Methotrexate
Specimen Collection:
Peak: Draw at end of infusion.
Trough: Draw blood prior to administration of next dose.
Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in a red top tube without serum separator.
Stat?: yes
Weekends/Holidays: yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 2 hours; Routine: 24 hours
Interpretation: Age and dose dependent – to be interpreted by the ordering physician
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEXILETINE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Mexiletine

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in red top tube without serum
separator.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Therapeutic: 0.5-2.0 ug/ml; Toxic: > 2.00 ug/ml
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MICROBILIRUBIN (Infants <6 Months) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Microbilirubin

Patient Preparation:
Performed only on infants less than 6 months old.
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
 160
Gold top microtainer with serum separator - 1/2 full.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 2 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Less than 12 mg/dl by third day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MICROBILIRUBIN DIRECT (Infants <6 Months) CHEMISTRY

Order As; Microbilirubin Direct

Patient Preparation: Performed only on infants less than 6 months old.
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Gold top microtainer with serum separator - 1/2 full
Stat?: Yes
Weekend/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 0.0-0.6 mg/dl
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MICROSPORIDIUM MICROBIOLOGY

Order as: Microsporidium spore detection

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection: Random fresh stool specimen (white vial)
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 72 hours (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: No Microsporidia detected
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINI SCREEN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Miniscreen

Synonym: Basic metabolic panel, BMP, Chem 8
Includes: Glucose, BUN, Calcium, Creatinine, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, CO2
Patient Preparation: Preferable if patient is fasting
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
1) 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2) Gold top microtainer with serum separator - full
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normals:
Glucose: 68-122 mg/dl (fasting)
Calcium: 8.4-10.2 mg/dl
BUN: 5-24 mg/dl
Creatinine:0.3-1.5 mg/dl
 161
Sodium: 134-146 mEq/L
Potassium: 3.5-5.2 mEq/L
Chloride: 95-108 mEq/L
CO2: 24-32 mEq/L
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MOLECULAR COAGULATION PANEL MOLECULAR

Order as: Molecular Coagulation Panel

Includes: Factor V Leiden, Factor II (prothrombin) 20210A mutation, and MTHFR
677T
Method: PCR
Patient preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 3.0 ml blood in each of 2 lavender top vacutainer
tubes. Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 1 week
Interpretation: Mild type, heterozygous mutant, or homozygous mutant.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MOLECULAR GENETIC ANALYSIS PAI-1 LOCUS 4G/5G HEMATOLOGY

See PAI-1 4G/5G

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MONOSPOT - See Heterophile Antibody

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MTHFR 677T by PCR – performed as part of the Molecular Coagulation Panel in the
Molecular Lab
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MURAMIDASE - See Lysozyme

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MYCOBACTERIA TUBERCULOSIS, AMPLIFIED DIRECT TEST

Available on smear positive specimens. Contact Tao Hong, PhD in Microbiology Section at
ext. 4854 or ext. 4859 with questions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MYELIN BASIC PROTEIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Myelin basic protein

Patient Preparation: None:
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 2 ml CSF
 162
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 4 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 0.0 – 1.0 ng/ml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MYELOMA PROTEIN - See Protein Electrophoresis (Urine)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MYELOPEROXIDASE STAIN HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Myeloperoxidase stain

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
(1) 1 ml blood in 5 ml Lavender top tube.
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
(2) 2 – 4 bone marrow slides or peripheral smears.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 8 hours
Interpretation: Consult Pathologist.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MYOGLOBIN (SERUM) CHEMISTRY

Order as: Myoglobin (serum)

Patient preparation: none
Specimen collection: Blood: 1 gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3 days (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Male: 28 -72 ng/ml; Female: 25 – 58 ng/ml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MYOGLOBIN (URINE) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Myoglobin (random urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 5 ml random urine
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 0 – 5 ng/ml
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MYSOLINE - See PRIMIDONE CHEMISTRY

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 163

NAPHTHYL ACETATE STAIN - See Esterase Stain

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEURON SPECIFIC ENOLASE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Neuron Specific Enolase

Synonym: NSE
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Less than 12.5 mg/ml
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NORPACE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Norpace

Synonym: Disopyramide
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in red top tube without gel barrier
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 2 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Therapeutic: 2.0-5.0 mcg/ml; Potentially toxic: > 5.0 mcg/ml
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUCLEOTIDASE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Nucleotidase

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 4 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 0 - 10 U/L
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OCCULT BLOOD (STOOL) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Occult Blood (Stool)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: Random Stool
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 164

OLIGOCLONAL BANDS (CSF) HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Oligoclonal Bands

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Specimen collected by physician.
Minimum Amount:
3 ml CSF specimen and 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimens
Turnaround Time: Batched test – performed once/week
Interpretation: Pathologist interpretive report will be issued.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ORGANIC ACID SCREEN (Urine) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Organic acid screen (urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 20 ml random urine
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 1 week (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: No Normals.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OSMOLALITY (Serum) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Osmolality

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: Performed stat for craniotomy patients ONLY.
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: 280-300 mOsm/kg
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OSMOLALITY (Urine) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Osmolality (urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: Random urine or 24 hour urine collection -
dependent on ordering physician
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normals: Random: 50-1400 mOsm/kg of body water
24 hr.: 600-900 mOsm/kg of body water
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 165
OSMOTIC FRAGILITY HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Osmotic Fragility

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Min. Amount:
5 ml blood in lavender top tube.
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen.
IMPORTANT! Send specimen immediately to HUMC Lab since specimens must
arrive at the reference lab within 72 hours of draw.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Monday-Friday only.
Turnaround Time: 1 week (Reference Lab test)
Interpretation:0.50 g/dl NaCl (unincubated)
Males: 0.0-47.8% hemolysis
Females: 0.0-31.1% hemolysis
0.60 g/dl NaCl (incubated)
males: 18.7-67.4% hemolysis
females: 10.9-65.5% hemolysis
0.65 g/dl NaCl (incubated)
males: 4.4-36.6% hemolysis
females: 0.2-39.3% hemolysis
0.75 g/dl NaCl (incubated)
males: 0.8-9.1% hemolysis
females: 0.0-10.9% hemolysis
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OXALATE - 24 HR. URINE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Oxalate (24 hr urine)

Patient Preparation:
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 24 hour urine collection.
Must add Hydrochloric acid (HCL) to container prior to collection. Contact Chemistry x
4862. Handle bottle carefully.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 1 week (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Male: 7-44 mg/24 hrs; Female: 4-31 mg/24 hrs
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PACKED CELLS BLOOD BANK

Order As: Ordering packed red blood cells

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection:
Label purple top tube with 1) Patient’s full name and medical record number or
trauma number exactly as it appears on the Identaband, (2) date of specimen
collection (also time if possible), and (3) circled signature of the person who drew
 166
the specimen and a second verifying signature. The information can be written
directly on the vacutainer tube label or on a Blood Bank specimen label (available
from Blood Bank) taking care not to obscure the blank tube label beneath.
Minimum Amount: Adult: 5 ml blood in a purple top tube
Infant: 2 ml blood in a purple top tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 45 minutes; Routine: Same Day
Interpretation: N/A
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PAI-1 LOCUS 4G/5G HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Miscellaneous test – PAI-1 4G/5G

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 2 lavender tubes. Keep at Room temperature.
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimens
Turnaround Time: 1 week (Reference laboratory procedure)
Interpretation: See report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PAP SMEAR - See Cytology Section

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PARATHYROID HORMONE (PTH) CHEMISTRY

Order As: PTH intact

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 10 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: ONLY for intra-operative parathyroidectomy cases.
Weekends/Holidays: Saturday only – do not collect specimen on Sunday or holiday!
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Intact Adult: 12–65 pg/ml; Pediatric (2-20 yr): 9-52 pg/ml
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PARTIAL THROMBOPLASTIN TIME - See P.T.T.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PCP (Urine) CHEMISTRY

Order As : PCP urine (also included in DRUG SCREEN, URINE)

Synonym: Phencyclidine, Sernyl, “Angel Dust”
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 25 ml random urine
Stat?: No
 167
Weekends/ Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: Stat: 2 hrs.; Routine: Day shift
Interpretation: Negative or See Report
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PFA 100 HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Platelet Function Screen

Synonym: Platelet Function Screen
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection:Minimum Amount: Exactly 2.7 ml in a 5 ml Blue top tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/holidays; Yes
Turnaround time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normals: Coll/Epi: 86-194 seconds
Coll/ADP: 57-106 seconds
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHENCYCLIDINE – See PCP

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHENOBARBITAL LEVEL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Phenobarbital level

Patient Preparation:
Specimen should be drawn 1-2 hrs. after phenobarbital administration.
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in red top tube without gel barrier.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Therapeutic range: 15-40 ug/ml; Potentially toxic: >40 ug/ml
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHENYTOIN - See DILANTIN

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOSPHATIDYL GLYCEROL - See LS/PG

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOSPHORUS (Serum) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Phosphorus

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
1) 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
 168
2) Gold top microtainer with serum separator - 1/2 full
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 2.7-4.3 mg/dl

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOSPHORUS (Urine) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Phosphorus (24 hr Urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
24 hour urine collection with HCL preservative. Contact Chemistry Section x 4862.
HANDLE CONTAINER CAREFULLY.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 400-1300 mg/24 hrs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PINWORM PREP - See Microbiology Section K

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PKU (PHENYLKETONURIA) MICROBIOLOGY

Ordered As: PKU Note: NJ Health Dept. form must be completed.

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/ minimum amount:
Thoroughly saturate the 5 circled areas indicated on the N.J. Health Dept. form with
blood from a heel stick.
The 5 circled areas must be completely filled and saturated through to the other side.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 1 week (N.J. State Dept of Health Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLASMINOGEN HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Plasminogen

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen
 169
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 80 - 120%

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR INHIBITOR 1 ACTIVITY HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 Activity

Synonyms: PAI-1
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
Collect blood in two (2)- 5 ml Blue top tubes (Hemogard plastic), each with exactly 2.7
ml blood
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 1 week (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 0-31 IU/ml

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR INHIBITOR 1 ANTIGEN HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 Antigen

Synonyms: PAI-1 Ag
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
Collect two (2)- 5 ml Blue top tubes (Hemogard plastic), each with exactly 2.7 ml
blood
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 2 weekS (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: 4-43 ng/ml

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLATELET AGGREGATION HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Platelet Aggregation

Patient Preparation:
Must be scheduled in advance with Hematology at ext. 4885 . No aspirin or aspirin-
containing compounds for 7-10 days prior to testing.
Specimen Collection:minimum amount:
Collect Six (6) Blue Top Tubes (Hemogard plastic), each with exactly 2.7 ml blood
and 1 lavender Hemogard tube with at least 1 ml blood. Invert to mix specimens with
anticoagulant.
 170
IMPORTANT: DO NOT SEND THROUGH PNEUMATIC TUBE SYSTEM.
SPECIMEN SHOULD BE HAND-DELIVERED TO HEMATOLOGY.

Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 24-48 hours
Interpretation: Consult Pathologist.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLATELET ANTIBODY HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Platelet antibody

Synonyms: Platelet antibody (indirect),HLA, Platelet glycoprotein
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 48 hours (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLATELET CONCENTRATE or PHERESIS PLATELETS BLOOD BANK

Order As: Ordering components for administration/platelets concentrate or platelet pheresis

as applicable
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Purple-top tube.
Label with (1) patient’s full name and medical record number or Trauma number
exactly as it appears on the Identaband, (2) date of collection (also time if possible)
and (3) circled signature of the person who drew the specimen and a second
verifying signature. The information can be written directly on the vacutainer tube
label or on a Blood Bank specimen label (available from Blood Bank), taking care
not to obscure the blank tube label beneath.

NOTE: A tube must be drawn only if blood group and Rh type has not been determined by
the hospital Blood Bank during the same admission.

IMPORTANT: INCORRECTLY LABELED SPECIMENS WILL NOT BE

ACCEPTED BY THE BLOOD BANK.

Minimum Amount: Adult: 5 ml blood in a purple-top tube.

Infant: 0.5 ml blood in pediatric purple top.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Dependent upon availability from Blood Center
Interpretation: N/A
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 171
PLATELET COUNT HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Platelet Count

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
1 ml blood in 5 ml Lavender top Hemogard tube
Micro specimens: 400 lambda blood in a lavender microtainer.
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: 135,000 - 430,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLATELET FUNCTION SCREEN (PFA 100) HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Platelet Function Screen

Synonym: PFA 100
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection:Minimum Amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml in a 5 ml Blue top tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/holidays; Yes
Turnaround time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normals: Coll/Epi: 86-194 seconds
Coll/ADP: 57-106 seconds
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLATELET NEUTRALIZATION PROCEDURE HEMATOLOGY

Order as: PNP

Synonym: PNP
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
INVERT tube to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 48 hours (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: 0-3 seconds
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PNEUMOCOCCAL ANTIBODY MICROBIOLOGY

Order as: Pneumoccal Ab

Patient Preparation: Mone
Specimen Collection/minimum amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
 172
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 7 – 10 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Detects antibodies to specific pneumococcal serotypes: 3, 7F, 9N, 14. Pre-
or post- vaccination monitoring.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PORPHOBILINOGEN (RANDOM OR 24 HR URINE) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Porphobilinogen

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
1) Random urine: 25 ml Protect sample from light.
2) 24 hour urine collection - 30 ml 33% glacial acetic acid preservative
prior to collection. Handle bottle carefully. Protect sample from light.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 2 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 24 hr: 0.0-1.5 mg/24hr; Random: 0.0-2.0 mg/L
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PORPHYRINS CHEMISTRY

Order as: Miscellaneous - Porphyrins

Includes: Uroporphorin and coproporphyrin
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 25 ml of a 24 hr urine.
Protect sample from light.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 2 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: See Report
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POTASSIUM (Serum) CHEMISTRY

Order as: Potassium

Synonym: K
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
1) 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2) Gold top microtainer with serum separator - 1/2 full
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 3.5-5.2 mEq/L
NOTE: Results can be falsely elevated in hemolyzed samples.
 173
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

POTASSIUM (Urine) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Potassium (random urine)

Synonym: K
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: Random urine or 24 hour urine. Collection is
dependent on ordering physician
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 25-125 mEq/24 hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PREGNANCY TEST (SERUM) - See BETA HCG TITER (QUANTITATIVE)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PREKALLIKREIN ASSAY HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Miscellaneous - Prekallikrein

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection:
Collect four (4) Blue top tubes (hemogard plastic), each with exactly 2.7 ml. Invert
to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround time: 7 days
Interpretation: 65 – 135%

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRIMIDONE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Primidone

Synonym: Mysoline
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
3 ml blood in red top tube without serum separator.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 3 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Therapeutic range: 5-12 ug/ml

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 174
PROCANAMIDE/NAPA CHEMISTRY

Order As: Procan/Napa level

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
5 ml blood in red top tube without serum separator.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 48 hours (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Therapeutic: 10-30 ug/ml as combined sum of NAPA and Procanamide.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROGESTERONE LEVEL (Serum) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Progesterone level

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 6 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes – day shift only.
Turnaround Time: 24 hours. Test run 7 days/week on day shift only.
Interpretation: Normal: All normals are in ng/ml.
Male: Adult 0.21-1.54
Female: Follicular 0.14-2.03
Periovulatory 0.40-4.47
Mid luteal 5.22-22.7
Luteal 1.42-16.6
Pregnant 1st trimester 6.57-40.3
2nd trimester 9.66-62.3
3rd trimester 24.5-33.4
Post-menopausal 0.15-1.04

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROLACTIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Prolactin

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 6 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes – day shift only
Turnaround Time: 24 hours. Test run 7 days/week on day shift only.
Interpretation: Normal: Female: 3.0 – 20.0 ng/ml; Male: 2.5 - 17.0 ng/ml

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRONESTYL - See PROCANAMIDE/NAPA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 175

PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation:
0 -49 years 0.0-2.5 ng/mL
49-59years 0.0-3.5 ng/mL
59-69 years 0.0-4.5 ng/mL
69-150 years 0.0-6.5 ng/mL (Revised: 7/3/12)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROTEIN (CSF/Body fluid) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Protein (CSF) or Protein (Body Fluid) as applicable

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
1) 3 ml CSF
2) 5 ml body fluid
Stat?: CSF – yes; Body fluids - No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr
Routine: CSF: 4 hrs; Body Fluids: 24 hrs
Interpretation: Normal: 12-60 mg/dl (CSF)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROTEIN, TOTAL (Serum) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Protein-Total

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
1) 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2) Gold top microtainer with serum separator - 1/2 full
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 6.0-8.3 gm/dl
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROTEIN (Urine-Quantitative) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Protein - Quant (24 hr urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 24 hour urine collection
 176
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 42 – 225 mg/24 hrs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROTEIN C HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Protein C

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
EXACTLY 2.7 ml blood in a 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 77 – 132%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROTEIN C ANTIGEN HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Protein C Antigen

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
1 Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic), with exactly 2.7 ml blood
Stat: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 72 hours (Reference Laboratory procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 60 - 150%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS (Serum) HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Serum Protein Electrophoresis

Includes: Electrophoretic interpretation
Synonyms: SPE, SPEP
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: Batched test twice weekly
Interpretation: Pathologist interpretation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS (Urine) HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Protein Electophoresis (Urine)

 177
Includes: Electrophoretic interpretation
Synonyms: UPE, UPEP, Bence-Jones urine, Light Chain urine.
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
24 hour urine collection - No preservative.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: Batched test – twice weekly
Interpretation: Pathologist interpretation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROTEIN S HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Protein S

Patient preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount:
EXACTLY 2.7 ml blood in a 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: normal: 65 –140%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROTEIN S ANTIGEN, FREE HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Protein S Antigen, Free

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
1 Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic), with exactly 2.7 ml blood
Stat: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 72 hours (Reference Laboratory procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 62-146%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROTEIN S ANTIGEN, TOTAL HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Protein S Antigen, Total

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
1 Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic), with exactly 2.7 ml blood
Stat: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 72 hours (Reference Laboratory procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 60 – 150%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 178

PROTHROMBIN TIME (P.T.) HEMATOLOGY

Order As: PT
Includes: PT and INR
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
NOTE: If drawn through a line, discard first cc of specimen.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 11.9 – 14.4 seconds; INR 0-2
Therapeutic: Standard dose INR 2-3
Intense dose INR 2.5-3.5
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

P.T. MIXING STUDY HEMATOLOGY

Order As: PT Mixing Study

Patient Preparation: No coagulation therapy administered.
Specimen Collection/ minimum amount:
EXACTLY 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
NOTE: If drawn through a line, discard first cc of specimen
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: normal: 11.9 – 14.4 seconds

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PTH - See PARATHYROID HORMONE

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

P.T.T. (PARTIAL THROMBOPLASTIN TIME) HEMATOLOGY

Order As: PTT

Patient Preparation:
If heparin is being given, draw specimen 1 hour before next dose.
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
NOTE: If drawn through a line, discard first cc of specimen.
Stat?: Yes
 179
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround time: Stat: 1 hr.; Routine: 4 hrs
Interpretation: Normal: 25.0 – 38.8 seconds
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

P.T.T. MIXING STUDY HEMATOLOGY

Order as: PTT mixing study

Patient Preparation: No coagulation therapy administered
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
NOTE: If drawn through a line, discard first cc of specimen
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr.; routine: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 25.0 – 38.8 seconds
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q-FEVER ANTIBODY MICROBIOLOGY

Order as: Q-Fever Antibody

Synonym: Coxiella burnetii Ab
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 7 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative = Less than 1:8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUINIDINE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Quinidine Level

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
5 ml blood in red top tube without serum separator.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 48 hours (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Therapeutic: 2.0 - 5.0 ug/ml; Toxic: Greater than 5.0 ug/ml
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RA FACTOR - See RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS FACTOR

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 180
RAPID GROUP A STREP SCREEN MICROBIOLOGY

Order as: Strep A Screen

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection:
Throat specimen - Swab affected area with dual-swab culturette.
NOTE: Another swab should be submitted for culture.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 1 hour
Interpretation: Normal: Negative
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RAST SCREEN

Refer to: Allergy Testing Mixes and Single Allergens in Special Diagnostic Immunology
Manual.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RENAL FUNCTION PANEL CHEMISTRY

Order as: Renal Function Panel

Includes: See Interpretation listing below
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum amount: 4 ml in gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays? Yes
Interpretation: Normal:
Glucose: 68 – 122 mg/dl (fasting)
BUN: 5 -24 mg/dl
Creatinine: 0.3 – 1.5 mg/dl
Sodium: 134 – 146 mEq/L
Potassium: 3.5 – 5.2 mEq/L
Chloride: 95 – 108 mEq/L
CO2: 24 – 32 mEq/ l
Calcium: 8.4 – 10.2 mg/dl
Phosphorus: 2.7 – 4.3 mg/dl
Albumin: 3.5 – 5.6 gm/dl
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RENIN CHEMISTRY

Order as: Renin

Patient Preparation: Values affected by patient's position and diet.
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
3 ml blood Lavender Top Tube. Keep at room temperature.
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen.
DO NOT SEND THESE SPECIMENS THROUGH PNEUMATIC TUBE SYSTEM.
 181
TRANSPORT IMMEDIATELY TO LABORATORY BY COURIER.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 3-6 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Supine: 0.15-2.33 ng/ml/hr; Upright: 1.31-3.95 ng/ml/hr
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REPTILASE TEST HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Reptilase

Patient preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml blood in a 5m Blue top Hemogard plastic tube. Invert to mix with
anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround time: 4 hours
Interpretation: 0-20 seconds
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RETICULOCYTE COUNT HEMATOLOGY

Order as: Reticulocyte

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
1 ml blood in 5 ml Lavender top Hemogard tube
Micro specimens: 400 lambda in lavender microtainer.
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 0.3 - 1.8%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS FACTOR CHEMISTRY

Order as: Rheumatoid factor

Synonyms: R.A. Factor, Latex Fixation
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: Run daily Mon - Fri
Interpretation: Negative: 0 - 30 I.U/ml
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 182
RHOGAM BLOOD BANK

Order As: Ordering blood components for administration/RhoGam

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Purple-top tube.
Label with (1) patient’s full name and medical record number or trauma number
exactly as it appears on the Identaband, (2)date of specimen collection (also time if
possible),and (3) circled signature of person who collected the specimen and a
second verifying signature. This information may be written directly on the
vacutainer tube label or on a Blood Bank specimen label (available from Blood
Bank), taking care not to obscure the blank tube label beneath.
IMPORTANT: INCORRECTLY LABELED SPECIMENS WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED BY THE BLOOD BANK.
Note: Fetal cell screening test is to be ordered in conjunction with each RhoGam
request.
Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood into purple top tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 45 min.; Routine: same day
Interpretation: N/A
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RIPA (Ritocetin-Induced Platelet Aggregation) HEMATOLOGY

Order as: RIPA

Includes: Risocetin High and Risocetin Low
Patient preparation: Schedule with Hematology (ext. 4885). No aspirin or aspirin-containing
compounds for 7-10 days prior to testing.
Specimen collection/minimum amount:
4 Blue top tubes (Hemogard plastic),each with exactly 2.7 ml blood and 1 lavender
Hemogard tube with at least 1 ml blood. Invert to mix specimens with anticoagulant.
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: No
Turnaround time: 24-48 hours
Interpretation: Pathologist interpretation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RISTOCETIN COFACTOR HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Ristocetin Cofactor

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Greater than 40%
 183
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER ANTIBODY MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Rickettsial Ab Panel

Synonyms: Rickettsialpox titer; Rickettsia rickettsii titer, RMSF titer
Includes: Rickettsia rickettsii titer IgG, Rocky Mt. Spotted fever titer IgG/IgM
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 7 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative: Less than 1:16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

R.P.R. (RAPID PLASMA REAGIN) – for syphilis testing CHEMISTRY

Order As: RPR

Synonym: STS, ART
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: Yes - Only on patients in labor who have no previous syphilis serology test on record,
and newborns as indicated. Chemistry must be notified at ext. 4862 for this stat priority to
be recognized.
Weekends/Holidays: Yes, if ordered stat.
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: Same day if specimen is received before 10AM.
Interpretation: Normal: Non-reactive. If positive, the specimen will be sent for outside
confirmation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SALICYLATE LEVEL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Salicylates

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in red top tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr.; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Therapeutic range: Less than 20 mg/dl
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEDIMENTATION RATE HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Sedimentation Rate

Synonyms: ESR, Sed Rate, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
 184
2 ml blood in 5 ml Lavender top Hemogard tube
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes.
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Male: 0-10 mm/hr; Female: 0-15 mm/hr
Note: Result can increase with age; not corrected for anemia. Call Hematology (x 4885)
with questions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEROTONIN (WHOLE BLOOD or SERUM) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Serotonin (blood)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
10 ml blood in lavender top tube or plain red top.
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 3 days (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Whole Blood: 11-204 ng/ml
Serum: Male: 21 – 321 ng/ml; Female: 0 - 420 ng/ml
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEROTONIN (5-HIAA) CHEMISTRY

Order as: Serotonin - 5 - HIAA (24 hr urine)

Patient Preparation: Patient should exclude the following foods and drugs for at least 24
hrs prior to specimen collection:
1) Foods: bananas and avocados
2) Drugs: aspirin, phenacetin, acetanilide, nephenesin and phenothiazone
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 24 hr urine collection.
No preservative required; refrigerate.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 72 hours (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 0 – 14.9 mg/24 hrs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SERUM PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS - See Protein Electrophoresis (serum)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Testosterone binding capacity

Synonym: SHBG, TeBG, Testosterone binding globulin
Patient Preparation: None
 185
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 5 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Male: 14.5 – 484 nmol/L
Female: (17 – 50 years) 26.1 – 110.0 nmol/L
(50 years +) 14.1 – 68.9 nmol/L
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SICKLE CELL PREP HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Sickle Cell Prep

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/minimum amount:
1 ml blood in 5 ml Lavender top Hemogard tube
Micro specimens: 400 lambda blood in lavender microtainer.
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Negative. If a positive test is obtained on an unknown sickle
patient, a hemoglobin electrophoresis will be performed for confirmation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SINEQUON LEVEL - See DOXEPIN

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SIROLIMUS CHEMISTRY

Order as: Sirolimus

Patient preparation: None
Specimen collection/min amount: 3 ml blood in Lavender top tube
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours (Day Shift only)
Interpretation: 9 - 18 ng/ml
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SMEAR, GENERAL BACTERIAL (GRAM STAIN): See Microbiology Section D

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SODIUM (Serum) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Sodium

Synonym: Na+
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
 186
1) 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2) Gold top microtainer with serum separator - 1/2 full
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround: Stat: 1 hr; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 134-146 mEq/L

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SODIUM (Urine) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Sodium (24 hr urine) or Sodium (random urine), as applicable

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: Random urine or 24 hour urine. Collection
dependent on ordering physician.
Stat?: No
Weekends/ Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normals: 24 hour urine: 50-250mEq/24 hrs; Random urine: N/A

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SPECIFIC GRAVITY BY REFRACTOMETER POINT-OF-CARE TEST SITES

Performed on authorized nursing units only: PICU, Pediatric Oncology, Pediatrics, and
Reuten Clinic.
Patient preparation: Identify patient by 2 identifiers as per HUMC policy.
Specimen collection: Collect and analyze freshly voided urine. A specimen that is allowed
to stand can result in an inaccurate reading.
Performing test: Refer to test procedure in unit’s Point-of-Care Testing Manual.
Interpretation: 1.005 – 1.025 (varies with fluid intake). Refer to unit-specific protocol.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STREP SCREEN - See RAPID GROUP A STREP SCREEN

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S.T.S. (Serological Test for Syphilis, Serum) - See RPR

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUCROSE HEMOLYSIS HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Sucrose Hemolysis

Synonym: Sugar Water test
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
 187
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 8 hours
Interpretation: Normal: No hemolysis
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SUDAN BLACK STAIN HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Sudan black stain

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount:
(1) 1 ml blood in 5 ml Lavender top Hemogard tube.
Invert tube to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
(2) 2 – 4 bone marrow smears or peripheral smears
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 8 hours (DAY SHIFT ONLY)
Interpretation: Consult Pathologist.
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SWEAT TEST (IONTOPHORESIS) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Sweat Test (Sweat Chloride)

Patient Preparation:
Must be scheduled with Chemistry Section ext. 4862 (201-996-4862)
Specimen Collection: Performed by Laboratory
Minimum Amount: 100 mg. sweat
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation (revised 3/2012 per CF Foundation recommendations):

Age Sweat Cl (meq/L) Interpretation

0-6 </=29 CF Unlikely
months
30-59 Intermediate
>/=60 Indicative of CF
Over 6 <40 CF Unlikely
months
40-59 Intermediate
>60 Indicative of CF

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SYPHILIS TESTING - See RPR for serum. See VDRL for CSF
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 188
T3 TOTAL CHEMISTRY

Order As: T3 Total

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: .70 - 2.10 ng/ml
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T3 UPTAKE CHEMISTRY

Order As: T3 Uptake

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 24-36%
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T4 FREE CHEMISTRY

Order As: T4 Free

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: 0.76 - 1.79 ng/dl
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

T4 TOTAL CHEMISTRY

Order As: T4 Total

Synonym: Thyroxine
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
1) 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2) Gold top microtainer with serum separator.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 4-14 ug/dl
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 189
TACROLIMUS CHEMISTRY

Order as: Tacrolimus

Synonym: FK506
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/min amount: 3 ml blood in lavender top tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Run daily on day shift only.
Interpretation: 5.0-20.0 ng/ml
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

T.B. CULTURES (AFB) - See Microbiology Section G

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TEGRETOL - See CARBAMAZEPINE

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TESTOSTERONE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Testosterone

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes.
Turnaround Time: 24 hours (test run on DAY SHIFT only)
Interpretation: Normal: Male (Adult): 241 - 827 ng/dl
Female (Adult): 14 – 76 ng/dl
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TESTOSTERONE BINDING GLOBULIN -

See SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TETANUS ANTIBODY MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Tetanus Antibody

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 7 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Protective: >0.1 ug/ml
Non-protective: <0.1 ug/ml
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 190
THEOPHYLLINE LEVEL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Theophylline

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in red top tube
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 1 day
Interpretation: Therapeutic: 10-20 ug/ml

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THROMBIN TIME HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Thrombin Time

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection:Minimum Amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml blood in 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix specimen with anticoagulant.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 15.3 – 20.6 seconds
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THYROID BINDING GLOBULIN (TBG) CHEMISTRY

Order As: TBG

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 1 - 4 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 13-39 mcg/ml

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THYROID STIMULATING IMMUNOGLOBULINS CHEMISTRY

Order As: Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 6 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 1 week (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Less than 130%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 191

THYROXINE – See T4 TOTAL

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TISSUE TRANSGLUTAMINASE IgA or IgG CHEMISTRY

Order as: tTG IgA or tTG IgG

Synonym: tTG
Patient preparation: None
Specimen collection: Blood: 1 gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround time: 3 days (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: tTG IgA: 0 – 3 units/ml
tTG IgG: 0 – 6 units/ml
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TOBRAMYCIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Tobramycin peak, trough or random as applicable

Patient Preparation: Patient must be receiving the aminoglycoside
Specimen Collection/minimum amount: 5 ml blood in Red top tube
1) Peak level:
Drug given IM - Draw blood 1 hour after injection
Drug given IV - Draw blood at end of infusion
2) Trough Level:
Draw blood just prior to administration of next dose.
Note: Patient should be on tobramycin for 24 hours before a trough level is drawn.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 24 hours
Interpretation: Therapeutic Tobramycin levels:
random: 1-10 ug/ml
peak: 5-10 ug/ml
trough: Less than 2 ug/ml

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOFRANIL - See IMIPRAMINE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL COMPLEMENT - See COMPLEMENT, TOTAL
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TOXOPLASMA ANTIBODY (CSF) MICROBIOLOGY

Order As: Toxoplasma IgG (CSF) or IgM (CSF) as applicable

Patient Preparation: None
 192
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 1 ml CSF
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 7-10 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: See reference report

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TOXOPLASMA – IgG or IgM CHEMISTRY

Order As: Toxoplasma IgG, Toxoplasma IgM as applicable

Synonym: Toxo titer IgG, Toxo IgM
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days (Reference Lab test)
Interpretation:
IgG: negative: 0.0 – 6.4 IU/ml
IgM: negative: 0.0 – 0.8 IU/ml
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRANSFERRIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Transferrin Level

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: Test performed daily Mon - Fri
Interpretation: 205-306 mg/dl
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRICHINELLA ANTIBODY MICROBIOLOGY

Order as: Trichinella Antibody

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 5 ml of blood in gel barrier tube.
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 7 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: Negative for Trichinella Antibody
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS PREP - See Microbiology Section L, p. 49

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 193
TRIGLYCERIDES CHEMISTRY

Order As: Triglycerides

Patient Preparation: Fasting for 12 hours
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 1 day
Interpretation: Normal: 60-160mg/dl

NOTE: The ordering physician/hospital service will be notified of a triglyceride level equal
to or greater than 200 mg/dl on patients from birth to 1 year of age ONLY.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRILEPTAL CHEMISTRY

Order as: Trileptal

Synonym: Oxcarbazepine
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in a gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3-5 days (Reference Lab procedure)
Interpretation: 10 – 35 ug/ml
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TROPONIN I CHEMISTRY

Order as: Troponin I

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen collection/minimum amount: 4 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround time: Stat: 1 hr; Routine: 4 hrs.
Interpretation: Normal: 0 - 0.04 ng/ml
Borderline: Greater than 0.04 ng/ml to less than 0.40 ng/ml
Diagnostic cutoff for acute myocardial infarction (as defined by WHO criteria): Equal or
greater than 0.40 ng/ml
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) CHEMISTRY

Order As: TSH

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
1) 2 ml blood in gel barrier tube
2) Gold top microtainer with serum separator - FILLED
 194
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hrs
Interpretation: Euthyroid: 0.5-5.0 uIU/ml
Up to one week old: 3.5 - 21.4 uIU/ml
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TYLENOL - See ACETAMINOPHEN

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TZANCK PREP - See Cytology, Section E

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UREA - URINE CHEMISTRY

Order As: Urea (24 hr urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount:
24 hour urine with no preservative. Refrigerate.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 12,000 - 20,000 mg/24hrs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

URIC ACID (Serum) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Uric Acid

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
1) 1 ml blood in gel barrier tube or
2) Gold top microtainer with serum separator - 1/2 full
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hr.; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 2.5-7.6 mg/dl
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

URIC ACID (24 hour urine) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Uric Acid (24 hour urine)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 24 hour urine collection. Refrigerate.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 250-750 mg/24 hrs.
 195
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URINALYSIS, STANDARD CHEMISTRY

Order As: Urinalysis

NOTE: If Microscopic examination is also desired, order Urinalysis with Microscopic.
Otherwise a microscopic exam will only be performed if the specimen meets the criteria
listed below under Interpretation.
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 15 ml random urine
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours
Interpretation: Normals:
Color – Yellow
Appearance - Clear
pH - 4.5 - 8.0
Specific Gravity (Sp. Gr.) - 1.005 - 1.025
Protein - Negative
Reducing Substance - Negative
Glucose - Negative
Ketones - Negative
Bilirubin - Negative
Blood - Negative
Leukocyte esterase - Negative
Nitrite - Negative
Urobilinogen - 0.2 - 1.0 E.U.

NOTE: A microscopic analysis will be performed by specific request or if any of the

following are positive: blood, leukocyte esterase, nitrite, protein, or appearance other than
clear.

WBC/HPF: 0-5
RBC/HPF: 0-3
Bacteria: None/few
Epithelial: 0-4/HPF
Crystals: Amorphous, few calcium oxalate
Casts: Hyaline 0-1/LPF; others – none
Mucous: Not significant
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UROBILINOGEN (Stool) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Urobilinogen (Stool)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Random Stool
Stat?: No
 196
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: Positive
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VALIUM - See DIAZEPAM

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VALPROIC ACID CHEMISTRY

Order As: Depakene

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Therapeutic range - 50.0 - 100.0 ug/ml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VANCOMYCIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Vancomycin Peak, Random, or Trough as applicable.

Patient Preparation: Patient must be receiving this drug therapy.
Specimen Collection/Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in red top tube (revised 3/30/11)
1. Peak Level
(a) Drug given I.M. - Blood drawn 1 hr after injection
(b) Drug given I.V. - Blood drawn at the end of infusion
2. Trough Level - Blood drawn just prior to administration of next dosage of
Vancomycin. Patient should have been on the drug for 24 hours before a trough level
is drawn.
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: Stat: 1 hour; Routine: 24 hours
Interpretation: Vancomycin Therapeutic serum levels:
Random: 10 – 40 ug/ml
Peak: 30 - 40 ug/ml;
Trough: 5 - 15 ug/ml
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

V.D.R.L. (CSF ONLY) CHEMISTRY

NOTE: For serum specimens see STS

Order As: VDRL (CSF)
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 0.5 ml of CSF
 197
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3 days (Batched test)
Interpretation: Normal: Non-reactive
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VIDAS D-DIMER HEMATOLOGY

Order as: D-Dimer. Test will reflex to Vidas D-Dimer for ETD patients ONLY.
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection:minimum amount:
2.7 ml blood in a 5 ml Blue top tube.
NOTE: invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen
Stat?: Yes
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 1 hour
Interpretation: Normal: 0.0 – 499 FEU ng/ml
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VIROLOGY PROCEDURES

See Virology Procedure Manual or Call Virology Lab at ext. 4945.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VISCOSITY (Serum) CHEMISTRY

Order As: Viscosity

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection, Minimum Amount: 2 gel barrier tubes totaling 10 ml blood
NOTE: Tube must be FULL.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: 1.2 - 1.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VITAMIN A CHEMISTRY

Order As: Vitamin A

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in red top tube (rev. 6/2012).
Wrap immediately in aluminum foil.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 7 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 30-90 mcg/dl
 198
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VITAMIN B12 CHEMISTRY

Order As: Vitamin B12

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 5 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Yes
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 211 - 911 pg/ml

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VITAMIN D, 25 – HYDROXY CHEMISTRY

Order as: Vitamin D 25 hydroxy

Synonym: Vitamin D3 metabolite; Cholecalciferol metabolite
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3-5 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 32 – 100 ng/ml

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VITAMIN D, 1,25 – DIHYDROXY CHEMISTRY

Order as: Vitamin D 1,25 dihydroxy

Synonym: Calcitriol ; 1,25-Dihydoroxy Vitamin D3
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount: 3 ml blood in gel barrier tube
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 3-5 days (Reference Lab Procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 10.0 – 75.0 pg/ml

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

V.M.A. (VANILLYLMANDELIC ACID) CHEMISTRY

Order As: VMA (24 hr urine)

Patient Preparation: Patient's diet must exclude the following foods and drugs from 72
hours before through completion of test:
Foods: Caffeine (Coffee, tea), chocolate, fruit, foods containing vanilla
Drugs: Aspirin, phenothiazine, anti-hypertensive drugs
 199
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
24 hour urine collection with 50% acetic acid added to the specimen container
prior to collection. Contact Chemistry Section x 4862. (revised: 6/2012)
HANDLE CONTAINER CAREFULLY.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 2 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 0 – 7.5 mg/24 hours
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VON WILLEBRAND FACTOR ANTIGEN HEMATOLOGY

Order As: Von Willebrand Factor Antigen

Patient preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
Exactly 2.7 ml in a 5 ml Blue top tube (Hemogard plastic)
Invert to mix anticoagulant with specimen.
Transport to the Hematology Section immediately.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen
Turnaround Time: 24 hours
Interpretation: Normal: 50 - 160%

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WHITE BLOOD CELL SMEAR (Stool,Urine,Nasal) HEMATOLOGY

Order As: WBC Smear (Stool), WBC Smear (Urine) or WBC (Nasal) as applicable
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection:
1. Glass slide(s) prepared from nasal swab labeled with patient's name. Be sure to keep
slides separated in transport to prevent specimen from being wiped off onto the other
slide.
2. Urine or stool specimen
Minimum Amount: 1-2 slides
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: No
Turnaround Time: 4 hours
Interpretation: Negative for WBC's

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHITE BLOOD COUNT (WBC)

May be ordered individually or as part of a CBC. Same protocol as CBC.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XYLOSE - See D-XYLOSE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 200
ZARONTIN CHEMISTRY

Order As: Zarontin

Synonym: Ethosuximide
Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
5 ml blood in red top tube without serum separator.
Stat? No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Therapeutic: 40-100 ug/ml; Toxic: > 100 ug/ml
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ZINC LEVEL CHEMISTRY

Order As: Zinc level (blood)

Patient Preparation: None
Specimen Collection: Minimum Amount:
Blood: 1 Royal Blue-top tube
Must not be in contact with rubber stoppers.
Stat?: No
Weekends/Holidays: Will accept specimen.
Turnaround Time: 3 days (reference lab procedure)
Interpretation: Normal: 70-150 mcg/dl
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------