Salicylate, Serum
Use
This test is useful for the quantitative determination of toxic levels of salicylate. Therapeutic salicylates include salicylic acid, sodium salicylate, methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). Aspirin is rapidly hydrolyzed by hepatic and blood esterases to the pharmacologically active intermediate, salicylic acid. The toxic symptoms observed in overdose situations include nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, headache, hyperpnea, confusion, hyperthermia, slurred speech, and convulsions. It is not useful for assessing low-dose aspirin therapy.
Special Instructions
For effective results, serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection, and red-top tubes should have the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours. The test is performed Monday through Sunday.
Limitations
This test is not intended for use with low-dose aspirin therapy. Most patients on low daily doses of aspirin for cardiovascular prophylaxis will have serum concentrations near or below the lower limit of the analytical range. Toxic concentrations are 50.0 mg/dL or higher.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 4024-6
- 4024-6
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |