Laboratory changes made July 2010
A number of laboratory changes took place in July 2010. Please read below for details.
Cardiac Marker Method Change at EUH/EUHM
Troponin: As a result, the new reference range for troponin will be 0.01-0.04 ng/mL (greater than or equal to 0.05=Abnormal). Critical value limit will remain the same (0.5ng/mL). The following interpretation will be added to all troponin results: Manufacturer’s recommended 99th percentile of normal is 0.04ng/ml. An elevated troponin alone is not sufficient to make the diagnosis of MI. Other conditions resulting in myocardial damage can contribute to elevated troponin levels. Serial sampling is recommended to detect the temporal rise and fall of troponin levels characteristic of MI.
CK-MB: Performance characteristics of the new CK-MB assay are comparable to our previous assay and as a result, no change in CK-MB reference interval is necessary at this time.
All laboratories using the Beckman DxI troponin method are required by the FDA to cease testing by July 31, 2010. The laboratory in collaboration with Cardiology and Emergency Medicine, considered alternative methods in order to meet our patient care needs and allow for a smooth transition. This transition of cardiac marker methods does NOT include EUOSH. For any questions, please page Drs. Ritchie (15799), Fantz (10664) or Molinaro(12897).
New Tests Available: Ionized calcium & ionized magnesium
Ionized calcium and ionized magnesium will be performed at EUH and orderable 24/7 at all EHC locations with a reduced turn around time. If you have questions regarding sample type and collection, please call laboratory customer service at 2-LABS or 6-LABS.
Body fluid pH method change
Body fluid pH will now be reported to two decimal points with an analytical measurement range of 6.5-8.0.
Urine electrolyte unit changes
Standardization of urine electrolytes to these units has been recommended by the College of American Pathologists. Note that the unit conversion will NOT result in a change in the absolute number as all electrolytes in this conversion have a valence of 1.
Urine chloride, from meq/L to mmol/L
Urine sodium, from meq/L to mmol/L
Urine potassium, from meq/L to mmol/L
24-hour urine chloride, from meq/24 hours to mmol/24 hours
24-hour urine sodium, from meq/24 hours to mmol/24 hours
24-hour urine potassium, from meq/24 hours to mmol/24 hours
Body fluid chloride from meq/L to mmol/L
Body fluid sodium, from meq/L to mmol/L
Body fluid potassium, from meq/L to mmol/L
Fluid sodium, (this is for cardioplegic fluids) from meq/L to mmol/L
Fluid potassium, (this is for cardioplegic fluids) from meq/L to mmol/L
