SALICYLATES
Test Code: LAB34
Synonym
Salicylic Acid; Acetylsalicylic Acid; Aspirin; SAL
Specimen Type
Serum
Alternate Specimen Type
Plain green top (lithium heparin) or Plain red top (serum)
Specimen Container
PST or SST
Preferred Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Collection Volume
0.2 mL
Specimen Handling
Separate plasma or serum from cells and place in separate plastic tube.
Collection Procedure
Draw prior to Sulfapyridine or Sulfasalazine administration.
Limitations
Venipuncture should occur prior to Sulfapyridine administration due to the potential for falsely depressed results. Venipuncture should occur prior to Sulfasalazine administration due to the potential for falsely elevated results.
Unacceptable Conditions
Gross hemolysis
Temperature
Refrigerated
Methodology
Enzymatic
Stability
Room Temp 7 days Refrigerated 14 days Frozen (-20 °C) 6 month separated from gel
Schedule
Daily, all shifts
Place of Service
Sacred Heart Medical Center
Department
PSHMC Chemistry
Additional Information
1) Salicylate blood levels do not correlate well with degree of toxicity in chronic salicylism. Other drugs may displace protein-bound salicylate leading to increased toxicity. Salicylate doses in patients on chronic therapy may approach toxic levels. Salicylate levels in such patients are best performed just prior to the next dose. 2) To convert results from mg/dL to umol/L salicylates multiply mg/dL by 72.4. 3) Levels of 30-40 mg/dL (toxic) are frequently maintained to manage acute rheumatic fever. Hemodialysis may be used when values exceed 100 mg/dL.
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