Recommended collection time period is 24 hours, except for pH and bicarbonate. Sodium, potassium, creatinine, and urea nitrogen can be performed on any routine specimen, with or without preservative.
|
Required Preservative |
Test Name |
| 10 g boric acid as a preservative added at start of collection | 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids |
| 20 mL 6 N HNO3 (Nitric Acid) | Iron |
| Dark Container, no preservative | Porphobilinogen, Qualitative |
| Dark Glass Container, refrigerate during collection | Porphyrins, Quantitative (Fractionated) |
| Glass container with 10 mL 6N HCl | Oxalate |
| Glass container with 25 mL 6N HCl |
Catecholamines, Fractionated |
| Glass container with acid * see below * Neuroblastoma Screen Acid Quantities <8 years - no preservative, refrigerate during collection. >8 years - 15-20 mL 6 N HCL added at start of collection. |
Neuroblastoma Screen |
| Plain container with 10 mL of 6N HCl | Histamine |
| Plastic container with preservative added at start of collection. Contact lab at 6-3527 for preservative vial. | Stone Studies |
| Plastic container, refrigerate during collection |
Arsenic |
| Protect from light AND refrigerate during collection | Aminolevulinic Acid, Quantitative |
| Random container with thin layer of mineral oil |
Carbon Dioxide (CO2 Content) |
| Refrigerate during entire collection period |
Aminolevulinic Acid, Quantitative |
| Refrigerate during collection or 10 grams boric acid or 5 mL concentrated HCl are acceptable preservatives | Aldosterone |