Lt green plasma separator (PST)

If the patient has a white blood cell (WBC) count of >50,000, for chemistry testing that includes potassium, the sample should be collected in a gold serum separator (SST) tube and not a Lt green plasma separator (PST) tube.

Immediately follow collection, mix sample by inverting 8 - 10 times to prevent clotting

Spin

Plasma separator (Lt green PST)

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Red serum vial/tube, 5 mL

Red serum vial/tube, 10 mL

Immediatley following collection, mix sample by inverting 5 times

Gold:

1. Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Red:

1. Allow sample to clot
2. Spin
3. Transfer serum to a False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL), labelled as serum, within two (2) hours of sample collection

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

False bottom screw cap serum/plasma transfer tube/vial (AHL)

Refrigerated (preferred) - 7 days

Ambient - 7 days

• Improper labels (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Hemolysis
• Improper anticoagulant or ratio
• Delay in transport
• Improper storage temperature affecting results
• Improper container
• Leaking container resulting in compromised specimen
• Quantity not sufficient (QNS)

Na, K and Cl: Ion selective electrodes (Direct)

CO2 : Enzymatic

Architect:

Sodium (Na):

0 - 10 yrs: 135 - 143 mmol/L

Adult:        135 - 145 mmol/L

Potassium (K):

0 - 7 days:     3.7 - 5.7 mmol/L

1 week - 1 yr: 4.1 - 5.3 mmol/L

1 - 12 years:  3.4 - 4.7 mmol/L

Adult:            3.5 - 5.0 mmol/L

Chloride (Cl):

98 -110 mmol/L

CO2:

22 - 30 meq/L

Roche:

Na: 136 - 145 mmol/L

Potassium: 3.5 - 5.1 mmol/L

Chloride: 98 - 107 mmol/L

CO2: 22 - 29 mmol/L