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Test Code RTBGPH pH, Body Fluid

Important Note

To complete the order there must be a Lab Collect step in Epic to enter the date, time and site of draw.  This generates an Epic requisition that is printed in the ordering area. Send the requisition and a patient ID labeled syringe to tube station 196.

Specimen and Container/Tube

Specimen Type: Body fluid

Preferred Specimen: Heparinized Syringe

Other Acceptable Specimens: None

Specimen Stability

Storage Temperature

Stability

Room temperature

30 minutes

Refrigerated

not acceptable

Frozen

not acceptable

Collection Instructions

  • Collect specimen per standard laboratory collection procedures. 
  • Remove all air from syringe. 
  • Remove needle. 
  • Cap tightly and mix well. 

Specimen Handling and Transport Instructions

UCMC Onsite Instructions: 

  • Collect specimen per standard collection procedure and send to laboratory immediately. 
  • Testing must be performed within 30 minutes of collection 

UCMC Offsite and UC MedLab Outreach Instructions: 

  • Specimens are not acceptable from offsite locations for testing 

Rejection Criteria

  • Common specimen rejected situations include: incorrect specimen type, insufficient volume, missing or incomplete specimen identifiers, incorrect specimen transport, or specimens outside stability limits. 
  • Specimens with needles attached will be rejected. 
  • Specimens with air bubbles. 
  • Do NOT send on ice. 

Reference Values

Analyte

Age

Sex

Normal Range

pH pleural fluid

All

All

7.60 - 7.66

 

The reference range and other method performance specifications have not been established for this fluid type. The test result must be integrated into the clinical context for interpretation.

Critical Values

Not applicable

Turnaround Time

Turnaround times are relative to the time the specimen is received in the test laboratory. 

 

STAT Turnaround Time: 1 hour

Routine Turnaround Time: 4 hours

Testing Schedule: 24/7

Test Components

Body fluid pH, specimen source 

CPT Codes

82800

LOINC Codes

TBD

Methodology

Direct measurement 

Additional Information

For all fluid types other than pleural fluid, clearance by section director or designee is required.

Last Review Date

4/29/2025

Volume

Preferred Volume: 0.5 mL

Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL