C

Collection Tube Abbreviations

  RT  =  Plain Red top   GYT  =  Gray top   RBL  =  Royal Blue top
  RHalo = Red Halo   YT  =  Yellow top   PT  =  Pink top
  BLT  =  Blue top   GRN  =  Green top   PPT  =  Pearl top
  LT  =  Lavender top   SGRN  =  Special Green   GHalo = Green Halo
Test
(TEST CODE)
Lab
Section
Special
Requirements
Reference Ranges and Critical Values Testing Schedule and Expected
Turnaround
Time
C1 Esterase Inhibitor
(C1EIN)
Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RT
Separate serum from cells and freeze ASAP 
10 - 25 mg/dL Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
ClQ Binding Assay Ref 10 ml blood, 1 large RT.
Freeze serum
< 20 µgE/mL Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
C2 Complement Component Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RHalo
Critical Frozen
1.0 - 4.0 mg/dL Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
C3-Proactivator
[Complement Factor B]
Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RHalo
Freeze serum
20 - 51 mg/dL Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
C3 [Complement C3]
(C3)
  
Immu 5 ml blood, 1 RHalo 75-150 mg/dL M-F
Cutoff: 2:00 pm
Result: 24 hrs
C4 [Complement C4]
(C4)
  
Immu 5 ml blood, 1 RHalo 11.3-40.5 mg/dL M-F
Cutoff: 2:00pm
Result: 24 hrs
C. difficile Toxin A or B
(CDIF)   
Micro

Stool 2-3 ml in sterile, no additive, leakproof container.

Must be liquid stool. 
Negative
Physician will be called with Positive results.
Daily
Result:
24 Hrs.
C-Peptide
(CPEPT)
 
Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RHalo on ice.  Freeze serum within 1 hour. Fasting: 1.1 - 4.6 ng/mL Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
C-Reactive Protein, Quant. 
(CRPL)
 
Chem 5 ml blood, 1 GHalo  0 - 10 mg/L
 
24 hrs/ 7 days
Results: 2 hrs

STAT: 1 hr
C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity
(HSCRP)
Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RHalo Low risk: < 1.0 mg/L
Average risk: 1.0-3.0 mg/L
High risk: > 3.0 mg/L
Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
CA 15-3
(153CA)
 
Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RHalo  
Freeze serum for transport
0 - 35 U/mL Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
CA 19-9
(199CA)
 
Chem 5 ml blood, 1 RHalo  
 
<37 U/mL
24 hrs/ 7 days
Results: 2 hrs
CA-125 
(CA125)
 
Chem 5 ml blood, 1 RHalo   Females: <35 units/mL
Males: <35 units/mL
M-F
Cutoff: 12:00 pm
Results: 24-48 hrs
Cadmium, Blood
 
Ref 7 ml blood, 1 Royal Blue  with EDTA 0 - 5 µg/L Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Cadmium, Urine
 
Ref 24 hr urine 0.0-3.3 µg/24 hrs Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Caffeine, Serum 
(CAFEN)
Neonates  (PCAF)
 
Ref 7 ml serum
Peds:red bullets
6-20 mg/mL    
Toxic: >40 µg/dL
Mailout: 5-7 days

Peds mailout to ACH

Calcitonin
(CALCT)
Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RHalo Male: 0.0 - 11.5 pg/mL
Female: 0.0 - 4.6 pg/mL
Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Calcium, Total Serum
(CA)
Neonate (CAP)
 
Chem/
Peds Lab
 
5 ml blood; 1 GHalo 

Infant:  1 green bullet tube

8.7-10.5 mg/dl
Critical Value:
<7.0 or >12.0 mg/dL

<2 mo.:  5.9-11.0 mg/dL
>2 mo.:  9-11 mg/dL

Pediatric Critical: 
<5.9 or >12.6
 

24 hrs/ 7 days
Results: 2 hrs
STAT: 1 hr

Peds Lab:
  Routine: 1hr
    STAT: 30 min

Calcium, Ionized 
Adult (CAI)
 
Chem Adults: 5 ml blood,  1 RHalo

 
Adult: 1.18-1.30 mmol/L
Adult Critical Values:
<1.15 or >1.63
mmol/L

 
24 hrs/ 7 days
Results: 2 hrs

STAT: 1 hr

 
Calcium, Urine 
(UCA)
Chem 24 hr urine in Type III bottle 0.05 - 0.15 g/24hrs 24 hrs/ 7 days
Rout: 2-4 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
California Encephalitis Antibody
(CALAB)
Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RHalo
Separate serum from cells ASAP.  Mark sample as "acute" or "convalescent"
Interpretive report Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Candida Antigen Serology
(CANAG)
Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RHalo
Refrigerate serum.
Negative Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Cannabinoids, Confirmation/Quantitation Ref Random urine, refrigerated See report Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Carbamazepine {Tegretol}
(CRBAM)
Chem 5 ml blood, 1 GHalo

See TDM Guidelines

 

4 - 10 µg/mL
Critical Value:
 >11 µg/mL
24 hrs/ 7 days
Rout: 2-4 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
Carbon Dioxide, CO2,
Total Serum
Adults (CO2)
Neonates (CO2P)
Chem/Peds Lab Adults: 5 ml blood, 1 GHalo

Infants: 1 green or amber bullet tube


 

22 - 31 mEq/L
Critical Values:
<10 or >40 mEq/L
24 hrs/ 7 days
Rout: 2-4 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA2)   Chem See CEA    
Cardiolipin Antibodies, IgG & IgM
(ACLGM)
Ref (VA) BT or  RT
See the  VA on-line lab manual for more information
IgG > 23 GPL
IgM > 11 MPL
Mailout: 5-7 days
 
Carotene
(CAROT)   
Ref 6 ml blood, 1 RHalo
PROTECT FROM LIGHT
Freeze serum 
60 - 200 µg/dL Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Catecholamines, Plasma
(PLCAT)
Ref 10 ml blood, 2 GRN  (sodium heparin)
Separate plasma from cells ASAP and freeze.
Epi: 10 - 200 pg/mL
Norepi: 80 - 520 pg/mL
Dopamine: 0 - 20 pg/mL
 
Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Catecholamines, Urine Free
(CATU)  
Ref 24 hr urine Epi: 0 - 25 µg/24 hrs
NEpi: 0 - 100 µg/24 hrs
Dopa: 60 - 440 µg/24 hrs
Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Cat Scratch [Bartonella] Antibody-IgG
(CATIG)
Ref 6 ml blood, 1 RHalo
Separate serum from cells ASAP.  Mark sample as "acute" or "convalescent"
Interpretive report Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Cat Scratch [Bartonella] Antibody-IgM
(CATIM)
Ref 6 ml blood, 1 RHalo
Separate serum from cells ASAP.  Mark sample as "acute" or "convalescent"
Intrepretive report Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Cat Scratch [Bartonella] Panel
(CATSF)
Ref 6 ml blood, 1 RHalo
Separate serum from cells ASAP.  Mark sample as "acute" or "convalescent"
  Interpretive report Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
CBC and Differential
(CBCB)
Heme  Adults: 3.0 ml blood,1LT
Peds: 1 LT bullet tube
Click here for CBC normal ranges and critical values

 
24 hrs/ 7 days
Rout: 2-4 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
CD3 Lymphocyte Levels
(CD3/5)
  
Flow 1 GRN (Na heparin) and 1 LT.
 
Normal Ranges:
CD3: 64-82%;
1171-2005/µl

CD5: 70-82%;
700-3280/µl

Therapeutic range for CD3 or CD5:
< 10%;  100/µl
M-F
Results: 4-24 hrs
CD4 T Cell Subset
(CD4)
  
Flow 1 LT
 
39-57%,
720-1348/µl
M-F
Results: 4-24 hrs
CD4/8 Ratio     Flow
 
See Helper/Suppressor Panel    
CD34 [Human Progenitor Cell Antigen]
(APB34) {ProCount}
  
Flow 1 GRN (Na Heparin) and
1 LT.
 
NR = Negative.
Therapeutic range is any increase over the normal range.
M-F
Results: 4-24 hrs
CEA
(CEA2)
Chem 5 ml blood; 1 RHalo  Non-smokers:
0.5 - 2.5 ng/mL
Smokers: 0.5 -10.0 ng/mL
24 hrs/ 7 days
Rout: 2-4 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
Cell Count and Differential, CSF
(BFS)
Heme 1 ml CSF (minimum), usually tube #3 
Cell counts cannot be performed on clotted samples.
<8 mature WBC/µl
100% nonreactive monocytes /   lymphs.
Interpretive report.
Critical Values
1) WBCcount 10 cells/µl
2) ≥ 50% PMNS

3) Organisms

Neonates:
1)≥ 30 WBC count
2)≥ 50% PMNS
 

24 hrs/ 7 days
Results: 2 hrs

STAT: 1 hr
 
Cell Count and Differential, Peritoneal Lavage
(BFS)
Heme 10ml fluid minimum in a sterile container. Syringe or bag not acceptable.
Cell counts cannot be performed on clotted samples.
Negative:
RBC <25,000/µl
WBC < 100/µl
No organisms, foreign material

Blunt Injury-Positive:
RBC >100,000/µl
WBC >500/µl

Penetrating Injury-Positive:
RBC >50,000/µl
WBC >500/µl

24 hrs/ 7 days
Results: 2 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
Cell Count and Differential,  Peritoneal Fluid
(BFS)
Heme 1 ml fluid minimum in a sterile container.  Syringe or bag not acceptableCell counts cannot be performed on clotted specimens. Clear, pale yellow
WBC < 300/µl
No microorganisms
Critical Values:
1) WBC > 500/µl
2) Microorganisms
3) Malignant cells
24 hrs/ 7 days
Results: 2 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
Cell Count and Differential, Pleural Fluid 
(BFS)
Heme 2 ml fluid minimum in a sterile container.   Syringe or bag not acceptableCell counts cannot be performed on clotted specimens. Clear, pale yellow
WBC <1000 /µl
<20% neutrophils
<50% lymphs
>50% mesothelial cells
Interpretive report.
Critical Values:
>1000WBC/µl
>50% PMN
Organisms
Malignant cells
24 hrs/7 days
Results: 2 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
 
Cell Count and Differential, Synovial
(JNT)
Heme 2 ml fluid, 1 GRN (sodium heparin)
Syringe or bag not acceptableCell counts cannot be performed on clotted specimens.
Clear, straw and viscous.
WBC <200 /µl
<25% PMN
No crystals seen
Interpretive report.
Critical Values:
1) Uric Acid and calcium              pyrophosphate crystals
2) >1000 WBC/µl
3) >50% PMN's
4) Microorganisms.
24 hr/7 days
Results: 2 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
 
Celontin
 
 Ref See Methsuximide/ Normethsuximide   Mailout
Centromere Antibody
(ANTC)
Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RT Negative Mailout: 1-2 days
ARUP
Cerebrospinal Fluid Cell Count and Differential
(BFS)
Heme See Cell Count and Differential, CSF <8 mature WBC/µl
100% nonreactive
monocytes/ lymphs.
Interpretive report.

See Cell Count and Differential, CSF
24 hrs/ 7 days
Results: 2 hrs

STAT: 1 hr
 
Ceruloplasmin, Serum  
(CERUL)
Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RHalo 
Separate serum from cells ASAP
25 - 63 mg/dL Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
CH50 Complement  
(CH50C)
Ref 7 ml blood, large RT on ice.  Separate serum from cells ASAP and freeze. Low: <60 CAE Units
Norm: 60 - 144 CAE Unts
High: >145 CAE Units
Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Chemotaxis Ref 15 ml heparinized blood sterile, 3 GRN   Interpretive report Mailout: 5-7 days
Chimerism
Pre-Transplant (PRETR)
Post-Transplant (PSTTR)
Ref (VA) See the VA on-line lab manual for more information.   Mailout:
Chlamydia Antibody- IgG/IgM
(CHLGM)
Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RHalo
Separate serum from cells ASAP.  Mark sample as "acute" or "convalescent"
Interpretive report Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Chlamydia Culture
(CHLAM)
Ref (ACH) Swab in Special Media. Obtain from UAMS Lab. Send on ice.   No chlamydia isolated Mailout: 3-45 days
Chloramphenicol
(CHLOR)
Ref 7 ml blood, 1 RT
Freeze serum
Therapeutic:10 - 20 µg/mL
Toxic: >25 µg/mL
Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Chlorazepate Ref 10 ml blood, 2 RT or RHalo Assayed as Nordiazepam
0.1 - 2.2 µg/m
Toxic: >2.5 µg/mL
Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Chlordiazepoxide
 
Ref  See Librium   Mailout
Chloride, Adult
Plasma (CL)
Urine (UCL)
 
Chem  5 ml blood, 1 GHalo
24 hour urine collection
Plasma: 100 - 108 mEq/L

Urine: 110 - 250 mEq/24 hr
24 hrs/ 7 days
Results:
2 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
 
Chloride, Neonates
(CLP)
Peds Lab 1 green tube 100 - 117 mEq/L
Critical Values:
≤90 or ≥120 mEq/L
24 hrs/ 7 days
Results:

  Routine: 1 hr
  STAT: 15 min
 
Chloride, Sweat ACH Performed at Arkansas Childrens Hospital by appointment. Telephone: 320-1300    
Cholesterol Esters Ref 10 ml blood, 1 Large RT or  2 RHalo. Patient fasting 12 hours 60 - 75% of total cholesterol Mailout: 5-7 days
Cholesterol, Total 
(CHOL)
Chem 5 ml blood, 1 GHalo
Patient fasting 12 hours
100 - 199 mg/dL 24 hrs/ 7 days
Results:
2 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
Cholesterol-HDL
(HDL)   
 
Chem 5 ml blood, 1 GHalo 
Patient fasting 12 hours
Desirable: >60 mg/dL
High Risk: <35 mg/dL
24 hrs/ 7 days
Results:
2 hrs
 
Cholesterol-LDL ,
calculated
   
(LDL)
Chem 5ml blood, 1 GHalo
Patient fasting
12 hours
Desirable: <130 mg/dL
Borderline: 130 -159 mg/dL
High Risk: >159 mg/dL
24 hrs/ 7 days
Results:
2 hrs
 
Cholesterol-LDL,
measured
Ref 5 mL blood, 1 Rhalo   Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Cholinesterase [Pseudo], Serum
(PCLNS)
 Ref (ACH) 2 ml blood; 1 RHalo
Separate serum from cells ASAP.  Freeze serum.
M: 5.9 -12.2 U/mL
F: 4.7-10.5 U/mL
Mailout
Cholinesterase, RBC 
(CLNS)
Ref 5 ml blood; 1 LT
Do not spin or Freeze 
18-29 U/g Hgb Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Chromium, Serum  Ref 7 ml blood, dark blue tube with no additives.
Separate serum from cells ASAP.  Avoid the use of glass.
 
<0.5 - 2.1 µg/L Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP

Chromium, Urine Ref 24 hr collection in Type 1 jug.  <0.5 - 5.0 µg/24 hrs Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Chromogranin A Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RT Male: 0 - 76 ng/mL
Fem: 0 - 51 ng/mL
Mailout: 7-10 days
ARUP
Chromosome Studies Ref Contact  Cytogenetics lab for specimen and transport requirements (526-8000). Interpretive  
Chronic Leukemia/Lymphoma Panel Flow 1 Green top + 1 LT,
Bone marrow aspirate, Biopsy, Tissue or Body Fluid
Interpretive report.  Includes enumeration of all lymphocytes and subsets. M-F
Results: 24-48 hrs
Citric Acid, Urine
(UCITR)
Ref 24 urine sample.  Refer to ARUP  manual for specific collection requirements 320 -1240 mg/24 hrs Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
CK, Total
(CK)
Chem 5 ml blood, 1 GHalo Male: 50 - 260 IU/L
Female: 30 - 235 IU/L
 
24 hrs/ 7 days
Results:
2 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
CK Index
Includes CK, CKMB and Index Value
(CKI)
Chem 5 ml blood, 1 GHalo 0.0 - 2.4 24 hrs/ 7 days
Results:
2 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
CKMB
(CKMB)
  
Chem 5 ml blood, 1 GHalo 0.2 - 5.0 ng/mL
 
24 hrs/ 7 days
Results:
2-4 hrs
STAT: 1 hr

 

Clindamycin Level
 
Ref See Antibiotic Level    
Clonazepam
(CLONA) 
Ref 7 ml blood, 1 RT
Freeze serum
10 - 75 ng/mL based on dosages up to 6 mg/24 hr.
Toxic: >100 ng/mL
Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Clonidine
(CLOND)
Ref (1)15 ml RT, (2)gray tops, or urine
 
Interpretive report Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Clonopin
 
  See Clonazepam.    
Clostridium difficile Toxin A or B Assay
(CDIF)   
Micro

Stool 2-3 ml in sterile, no additive, leakproof container.

Must be liquid stool. 
Negative
Physician will be called with Positive results.
Daily
Result:
24 Hrs.
CMV, Quantitative by PCR on plasma
(QCMV) 
Molec.
Diagnostics
1 Pearl Top Tube None detected M-F
Cutoff: 7:30am
Results: 1-4 days
CMV Culture, Blood ACH Sodium Heparin- Special Green Top Tube.
Keep at room temperature.  Should be sent STAT. 
Negative M-F Mailout
Cutoff: 2 pm
Results: 5-7 days
 
CMV Culture, Urine ACH Sterile Container.  Send on ice.   Negative M-F Mailout
Results: 5-7 days
 
CMV, BAL DFA   ACH Bronchioalveolar  Lavage (1-5 ml) Transport immediately on ice and mark STAT and call 67047. Negative M-F Mailout
Cutoff: 1:30 pm
Results: 1-2 days
 
CMV-IgG
(CMVG)
Chem 5 ml blood, 1 RT
 
Interpretive report M-Sat
Cutoff: 7:30 am
Result: Same Day
CMV-IgM  
(CMVM)
Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RT Interpretive report Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
CO2, Total
Adults (CO2)
   
Neonates (CO2P)
Chem /
Peds Lab


See Carbon Dioxide

   
Cocaine, Urine Screen
(COKE)

 
Chem 5 ml urine Negative 24 hrs/ 7 days
Results: 2 hrs
STAT: 1 hr

                                       

Cold Agglutinins 
(CLDAG)
Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RT or RHalo 
MUST be placed in and transported in warm sand
. (available in clin lab).  Keep at 37oC.   
<1:32 Negative Mailout: 2-5 days
ARUP
Cold Autoabsorption BBK 2 EDTA tubes and order sheet initialed by blood collector. Includes type & antibody screen Negative.
Performed following a positive antibody screen
24hrs/7days
Compatibility Study [Crossmatch] BBK 2 EDTA tubes and order sheet initialed by blood collector. Includes type & antibody screen Compatible massive transfusions.  Contact  CP resident (688-2820) Valid for 72hrs from the time of draw. 24 hrs/ 7 days
Results: 4 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
Complement C3
(C3)
  
Immu See C3    
Complement C4
(C4)
  
Immu See C4    
Complement Decay Rate Ref 5 ml blood, 1 LT 3 ml plasma, freeze  Less than 50%
Total complement: 40-85 CH 50 units
Mailout: 5-7 days
Complement, Total Hemolytic  Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RT or RHalo
Transport on ice!
189 - 420 units Mailout: 5-7 days
Complete Blood Count
 
Heme See CBC and Differential    
Compound S, Blood Ref 5 ml blood, 1 RT, 1 LT or 1 GRN.  Not appropriate for patients <3 months of age    0.0 - 0.8 µg/dL Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Coombs Test, Direct
Adult

{Antihuman Globulin Test}
(DDC)
  
BBK 1 EDTA tube and order sheet initialed by blood collector.  Profile includes monospecific AHG Eluate (antibody ID of the eluate) & interpretation. 24hrs/7days
Coombs Test, Direct Neonate
{Antihuman Globulin Test}
(DAT)
BBK 1 EDTA tube of cord specimen or venous blood.  Tube and order sheet initialed by blood collector. Detection of hemolytic disease of newborn (HDN). Eluates performed as indicated. 24hrs/7days
Coombs Test,  Indirect {Antibody Screen}
(IAT)
BBK 1 EDTA tube and order sheet initialed by blood collector. 
 
Detection of clinically significant blood group allo-antibodies. 24 hrs/7 days
STAT: 30 min
Copper, Serum 
(COPPR)
Ref 7 ml blood Dark Blue, no additives. Age and sex specific.  See interpretive report Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Copper, Urine
(UCOPP)
Ref Random or 24 hr urine Random: 0.2 - 8.0 µg/dL
24 hr: 3 - 35 µg/day
Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Coproporphyrin /  Uroporphyrin, Urine Ref See Porphyrins, Urine    
Cortisol
(CORT)
Chem 5 ml blood; 1 GHalo  AM: 4.3 - 22.4 µg/dL
PM: 3.1 - 16.7 µg/dL
24 hrs/ 7 days
Results: 2 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
Cortisol, Urine Free
(URFC) 
Ref 24 hr urine, refrigerated See final report for reference intervals Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Coxsackie A9 Virus Antibodies
(CXA9)
Ref 6 ml blood, 1 RHalo
Separate serum from cells ASAP.  Mark sample as "acute" or "convalescent"
<1:8 No antibody detected Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Coxsackie B Virus Antibodies Ref 6 ml blood, 1 RHalo
Separate serum from cells ASAP.  Mark sample as "acute" or "convalescent"
<1:10 No antibody detected Mailout: 5-7 days
ARUP
Creatinine
Adult (CREA)
Neonate (CREAP)
Chem /
Peds La