Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Ionised Calcium
Ionised Calcium
Brown clotted serum, gel barrier or lithium heparin OR blood gas syringe
| Test | Ionised Calcium |
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | ICAL |
| Profile | NA |
| Tube type | Brown clotted serum, gel barrier or lithium heparin OR blood gas syringe |
| Clinical Indication | Measurment of ionised calcium can be useful in patients with alkalosis or acidosis when total calcium measurements may be misleading, and for patients with low albumin levels where the adjusted calcium can't be calculated. |
| Specimen Type | Blood |
| Sample type | Serum (Un-cuffed sample) |
| Minimum Volume | 4.9mL |
| Special Precautions | Sample tube must be full with no air bubbles. Samples taken on the wards should be analysed by medical/nursing staff on the blood gas analysers |
| Stability | Must be tested immediately after opening sample lid |
| Turnaround Time | Inpatient: Must be performed on ward Outpatient/ GP: 24 hours |
| Laboratory | York and Scarborough Requires blood gas analyser available on various hospital wards. |
| Reference Interval | 1.15-1.33 mmol/L |
| Limitations | No interference was observed from rheumatoid factors up to a concentration of 1200 IU/mL. |
| Notes |
