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Order Code LAB1123 Osmolality, Serum

Additional Codes

EPIC Test Code: LAB1123 

 Mayo Test Code UOSMS 

Reporting Name

Osmolality, S

Useful For

Evaluating acutely ill or comatose patients

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Red top

Acceptable: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.25 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 days
  Ambient  24 hours

Reference Values

275-295 mOsm/kg

CPT Code Information

83930

Method Description

The depression of the freezing point of serum or other fluid is used to measure osmolality in most osmometers. The extent of lowering below 0° C (the freezing point of water) is a function of the concentration of substances dissolved in the serum. By definition, 1 milliosmole per kilogram lowers the freezing point 0.001858° C.(Schindler EI, Brown SM, Scott MG: Electrolytes and blood gases. In: Rifai N, Horvath AR, Wittwer CT, eds: Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2018:610-612)

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia OK

Method Name

Freezing Point Depression

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830) with the specimen.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday