Test Code SAL.1 SALICYLATES LEVEL
Methodology
Colorimetric
Useful for assessing toxicity when overdose is suspected; sometimes used to monitor therapy in diseases, such as acute rheumatic fever, where very high levels are desired but intoxication should be avoided.
Specimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Serum
Serum Gel Tube
Container/Tube: Serum gel tube(s)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL (minimum
volume: 0.5 mL) of serum
Collection Instructions: When an overdose is suspected, draw specimen as soon as possible and at least 6 hours post-ingestion. For therapeutic drug monitoring, draw specimen just prior to next dose. Time to peak concentration varies depending upon whether salicylates ingested are in the gastric-absorbed or enteric-absorbed form. Spin down within 4 hours of draw.
Note: 1. Date and time of last dose and time of draw are required.
2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).
Alternate:
Serum
Plain, Red-Top Tube
Container/Tube: Plain, red-top tube(s)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL (minimum
volume: 0.5 mL) of serum
Collection Instructions: When an overdose is suspected, draw specimen as soon as possible and at least 6 hours post-ingestion. For therapeutic drug monitoring, draw specimen just prior to next dose. Time to peak concentration varies depending upon whether salicylates ingested are in the gastric-absorbed or enteric-absorbed form. Spin down within 4 hours of draw.
Note: 1. Date and time of last dose and time of draw are required.
2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).
Plasma
Container/Tube: Green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s) or lavender-top (ETDA) tube(s)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of plasma
Collection Instructions: When an overdose is suspected, draw specimen as soon as possible and at least 6 hours post-ingestion. For therapeutic drug monitoring, draw specimen just prior to next dose. Time to peak concentration varies depending upon whether salicylates ingested are in the gastric-absorbed or enteric-absorbed form. Spin down within 4 hours of draw.
Note: 1. Date and time of last dose and time of draw are required.
2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Reference Values
Pediatric:
Therapeutic range: 3.0 - 10.0 mg/dL
Critical Range: > 10 mg/dL
Other:
Therapeutic concentration: 3.0-20.0 mg/dL
Critical concentration (automatic call-back): >30.0 mg/dL
Performing Laboratory
Logan Health Medical Center-Chemistry
Test Classification and CPT Coding
80302
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerate