Salicylate

Test Code:

BC0300

Synonym(s):

Specimen Container

Gel separator tube (Adult)
Microtube (Paeds)

Specimen Requirement

Plain Blood
Adult: 5 mL
Paediatric: 1.3 mL

Invert blood 5 times after blood collection ensures the anticoagulant is well mixed with the blood. This will ensure results are reliable.

Specimen Storage / Transport

Method

Orderable as STAT?

Yes

Turn Around Time

2 hrs

Reference Value(s)

• Refer to “Children Emergency Clinical Guidelines” in the Hospital’s intraweb.

• Please note time sensitive effect of toxicity

Salicylate Toxicity

Severity of Acute Toxicity	Serum Concentration (Post 4 - 6 hours)
Mild Toxicity	30 - 50 mg/dL
Moderate Toxicity	50 - 70 mg/dL
Severe Toxicity	> 70 mg/dL
Severe Toxicity	Consider haemodialysis if plasma salicylate > 100 mg/dL or if chronic use > 60 mg/dL

Testing Laboratory Location

KKH

Laboratory

Clinical Chemistry

Contact Number

6394 1383

Day and Time Performed

Daily, 24 hrs

Orderable on CPOE?

Yes

Downtime Form

Therapeutic Drug Analysis LAB

Additional Information

New reporting unit of mg/L for serum salicylate concentration results w.e.f. 30th April 2019. Attention to the new reporting unit is very important because serum salicylate concentrations may be reported as mg/dL or mmol/L in various guidelines and the medical literature. For example, 300 mg/L is equal to 30 mg/dL.

Please note new reporting unit of mg/L for serum salicylate concentration w.e.f. 30th April 2019