pH Measurement, Emergency Sample — Report Period
A pH measurement shows how acidic or alkaline a sample is. The slug does not clearly identify the specimen or method, so the result must be interpreted with the emergency clinical context.
["This appears to be an emergency pH test, but the specimen and testing method cannot be confirmed from the slug alone."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 92197-3
- Short code
- PH emergency budget RptPeriod
- Synonyms
- PH emergency budget RptPeriod
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A pH test measures the acidity or alkalinity of a specimen. The compressed name appears to refer to an emergency sample and a defined report period, but it does not clearly identify whether blood or another specimen was tested.
Why might I need this test?
A pH test may be ordered during an emergency to evaluate acid-base balance or investigate a possible metabolic, respiratory, or toxic condition. The clinical reason depends on the specimen and the situation in which the sample was collected.
How is the test performed?
The laboratory analyzes the collected specimen with a calibrated instrument that measures its pH. Some emergency specimens, particularly blood samples, must be tested promptly and may be handled in a blood-gas laboratory.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the specific instructions provided by the emergency clinician or laboratory, including any instructions about sample timing. Do not delay urgent evaluation to complete routine preparation; if the specimen is blood, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for the required period.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An abnormal pH may indicate an acid-base imbalance or a condition affecting metabolism, breathing, electrolytes, or toxins. The meaning depends on the specimen, the clinical circumstances, and other laboratory results. A pH value should not be interpreted on its own.
Short name
Emergency pH test
Frequently asked questions
What does a pH test measure?
Why is this pH test labeled as an emergency test?
Can I interpret the result without the specimen and reference information?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy