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Test Code LAB4186 SALICYLATE LEVEL

Specimen Type

Preferred Specimen: Lithium Heparin Plasma (Mint Green Top, Dark Green Top)
Alternative Specimen: Serum (SST, Gold, Corvac, Tiger, Red Top Tube) EDTA Plasma (Lavender Top)

Specimen Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Turnaround Time

STAT: 1 hour
Routine: 4 hours

Test Schedule

Daily

Sample Stability

Refrigerated: 14 days

Frozen: 6 months

Method

Colorimetric

Reference Ranges

Salicylates mg/dL; 2.0-30.0 mg/dL

      Analgesia 2.0-10.0

      Anti-inflammatory 10.0-30.0

      Toxic Greater Than 30.0

Individuals on chronic administration may be asymptomatic at levels up to 500 µg/mL.

Synonyms

Salicylic Acid; Acetylsalicylic Acid; Aspirin

CPT Codes

80179

Test Components

Salicylates, mg/dL.

Test Limitations

Studies have shown that therapeutic drug levels may be altered in serum/plasma that remains in contact with separator gel. Therapeutic drug levels collected in an SST or PST should be run within 24 hrs of collection.

Clinical Information

Salicylate is a common drug used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Its accessibility leads to its implication in a large number of accidental ingestions by children and it is a common choice among adults and adolescents for attempted suicidal poisoning. Salicylate overdose results in disturbances of the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract, and lead to encephalopathy and renal failure. Salicylate intoxication represents an acute medical emergency. Rapid quantitation of the drug is necessary for effective patient management.

 

Common salicylates include acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), and certain prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including diflunisal, salsalate, and sulfasalazine.