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Calcium, Free or Ionized

Source Blood
Mnemonic ICA
Specimen Requirements

Test cannot be collected by Mobile Collection Service (MCS).


1 x 3.5 mL gold top SST tube.

DO NOT leave tourniquet on longer than 1 minute

Microtainer tubes are not acceptable

Pediatric: Heparinized whole blood is acceptable if collected in an arterial blood gas syringe or calcium balanced heparin capillary tube. This type of collection is usually by Respiratory Therapy but may be by phlebotomist, if required.

Specimen Handling

Specimen stable uncentrifuged for 1 hour only, therefore it must be centrifuged within 1 hour post collection. DO NOT OPEN TUBE.

PSC:
Centrifuge and transport unopened tube directly to FMC.

Extra-regional:
Transport centrifuged, unopened sample on ice. Keep specimen COLD but not FROZEN. DO NOT attach tube directly to ice pack. 

Additional Information
Testing Location Chemistry-FMC and Respiratory ACH, FMC, PLC & RGH
Testing Frequency As required
Alternate Name(s) Ionized Calcium
Reference Interval

0-28 days

0.90-1.30 mmol/L

29 days-150 years

1.15-1.35 mmol/L
 

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