Test Code PHBF pH, Body Fluid
Reporting Name
pH, BFUseful For
Indicating the presence of infections or fistulas
Verifying the effectiveness of treatment to reduce stomach pH
Diagnosing disease states characterized by abnormal stomach acidity
This test is not appropriate for measurement of pleural fluid pH as that measurement should be made using a blood gas analyzer locally due to sample stability and transport requirements.
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
Body FluidNecessary Information
1. Date and time of collection.
2. Specimen source
-Preferred: Identify source name from the following list with location (if appropriate):
 -Peritoneal fluid (peritoneal, abdominal, ascites, paracentesis)
 -Drain fluid (drainage, JP drain)
 -Synovial fluid
-Write in source name with source location (if appropriate)
-Unacceptable: Spinal fluid (CSF), chest (thoracic) fluid, thoracentesis, pleural fluid, and urine
Specimen Required
Supplies: Metal Free Specimen Vial (T173)
Container/Tube: Metal-free container
Specimen Volume: 5 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Body Fluid | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
Frozen | 7 days | ||
Ambient | 24 hours |
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
83986
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
UPHB | pH, BF | 2748-2 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
U_PHB | pH, BF | 2748-2 |
SRC18 | Source | 14725-6 |
Method Description
The pH meter is composed of a glass electrode, calomel electrode and voltmeter. The glass electrode has a fixed acid concentration, yielding a corresponding voltage. The calomel electrode is the reference electrode. Its voltage is independent of the H+ ion concentration. The two electrodes constitute a galvanic cell whose electromotive force is measured by the voltmeter. The meter is calibrated to read in pH units, reflecting the H+ ion concentration. The meter is used to determine pH in 0 to 14 range.(Instruction manual: Fisher Scientific accumet Basic (AB) Benchtop Meters. Fisher Scientific; 07/2018)
Report Available
Same day/1 dayReject Due To
Spinal, chest (thoracic) fluid, thoracentesis, or pleural fluid Urine |
Reject |
Method Name
pH Meter