Sodium, Arterial (Blood Gas)

Specimen Type = Black Syringe or White Syringe

Specimen Type

Test ID   LAB5303
EPIC Order   SODIUM, WHOLE BLOOD
CPT Code(s)   84295
Group/Individual Test   Individual
Laboratory   Core Laboratory-Blood Gas
Tube Station   31
Specimen Routine: 1 mL whole blood in 3cc syringe w/ lyophilized heparin in BG Kit, SafePICO Collection Kit, or Green Heparin – NO GEL. See Comments
  Micro: 0.5 mL whole blood in 1cc syringe w/ lyophilized heparin in BG Kit or full heparinized capillary tube. See Comments
Stability  

Room Temp/Refrigerated: up to 4 hours

Frozen: NO
Availability Routine: 24 hrs/day
  STAT: Yes
Turnaround Time   10 minutes
Reference Range Normal: 135-145 mmol/L
  Critical: <120 or >155 mmol/L
Comments
  • Green Sodium Heparin tubes are NOT acceptable and will be rejected.
  • Deliver Immediately to lab.
  •  Syringes with needles attached will NOT be accepted.
  • Blood Gas syringes may be obtained from Central Distribution.
  • Heparinized capillary samples can be analyzed if at least 200 µL of clot-free blood is present.
  • Do not separate or freeze whole blood. 

Reviewed by J. Carr on January 15, 2026

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514