Electrolyte Panel CPT: 80051
Test Includes
Carbon dioxide; chloride; potassium; sodium
Expected Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.8 mL
Container
Gel-barrier tube (send entire tube) preferred. Red-top tube or green-top (heparin) tube is acceptable if centrifuged within 45 minutes and the serum or plasma is removed and placed in a tightly-stoppered secondary tube.
Collection
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection; avoid hemolysis.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Stability Requirements
Patient Information
To detect a problem with your body’s electrolyte balance.
As part of routine health screening or when your healthcare practitioner suspects that you have an imbalance of one of the electrolytes (usually sodium or potassium) or an acid-base imbalance.
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm.