Test ID: CAI
Calcium, Ionized, Serum
Specimen Type
Describes the specimen type needed for testing
Serum SST
Specimen Required
Defines the optimal specimen. This field describes the type of specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing. The volume allows automated processing, fastest throughput and, when indicated, repeat or reflex testing.
Container/Tube: Serum gel or serum gel Microtainer
Specimen Volume: Full tube
Collection Instructions:
1. Allow blood to clot for 30 minutes.
2. Centrifuge with stopper in place for 10 minutes at 3,000 rpm to ensure that the gel barrier separates the serum and cells.
3. Keep specimen anaerobic (do not transfer).
Specimen Minimum Volume
Defines the amount of specimen required to perform an assay once, including instrument and container dead space. Submitting the minimum specimen volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory or perform reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum specimen volume may result in a QNS (quantity not sufficient) result, requiring a second specimen to be collected.
1.75 mL in a 3.5 mL serum gel tube or 1 full serum gel MICROTAINER
Reject Due To
Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
| Hemolysis | Mild OK; Gross reject |
| Lipemia | NA |
| Icterus | NA |
| Other | NA |
Specimen Stability Information
Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the laboratory. Alternate acceptable temperature(s) are also included.
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum SST | Refrigerated | 5 days |


