Electrolytes, Plasma

Department

Core Biochemistry

Delphic Registration Code

NAK

Constituent Tests

• Sodium, Plasma
• Potassium, Plasma

Synonyms

K and Na
Na and K
Potassium and sodium
Sodium and potassium

Turnaround Time

3 hours

Test Code

3020

Specimen Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Preferred if West Coast

• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4.5

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.6

Additional Specimen Information

Paediatric Specimen - Heparin microtainer tube 600 µL

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Minimum Volume (ml)

1.0

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius) OR Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Separate from cells ASAP. Avoid haemolysed or lipaemic samples.

Reference Intervals

A request for plasma electrolytes includes sodium and potassium only.

Refer to the individual test entries for more information.

Test Method

Indirect ion-selective electrode, performed on a Beckman Coulter AU5822 analyser

Contact Canterbury Health Laboratories on +64 3 364 0484 or email LabInfo@cdhb.health.nz

Contact Information

Enquiry Form