Salicylates, Gastric Fluid — Substance Concentration
This test measures the concentration of salicylates in gastric fluid. It may be used in the evaluation of suspected aspirin or salicylate ingestion.
["The result indicates how much salicylate is present in the sampled gastric fluid and may help assess suspected salicylate exposure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47128-4
- Short code
- Salicylates Gast-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Salicylates Gast-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 50 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- 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 This Test Measures
Salicylates are compounds related to aspirin. The test estimates their concentration in a sample of stomach contents or gastric fluid.
Why It May Be Ordered
A gastric salicylate measurement may be ordered when a healthcare professional is evaluating a suspected overdose, poisoning, or excessive use of aspirin-containing products.
Sample and Timing
The required specimen is gastric fluid. The timing of collection depends on the clinical situation, so follow the healthcare professional or laboratory instructions for sample collection and handling.
Understanding the Result
Higher salicylate concentrations generally indicate greater exposure, but interpretation depends on the amount ingested, the time of collection, clinical findings, and other relevant laboratory tests. No universal interpretation range can be assigned without that context.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: A detectable salicylate concentration in gastric fluid can support exposure to aspirin or another salicylate-containing product. Results must be interpreted alongside symptoms, medication history, and the timing of ingestion; treatment decisions should be made by a qualified healthcare professional.
Short name
Gastric Salicylate Level
Frequently asked questions
What is a gastric salicylate test?
Is this the same as a standard blood salicylate test?
Can this test determine how much aspirin was swallowed?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy