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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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METHEMOGLOBIN, WHOLE BLOOD

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2673    Geisinger Epic ID:  6726

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Whole blood


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
3 mL green/black top lithium heparin tube
Specimen required: 

1 mL whole blood; minimum 0.4 mL.


Special notes: 

Expel excess air from syringe.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Do not uncap. Do not freeze.


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature (preferred). Transport immediately. If delay in transport is anticipated, place specimen on an ice slurry.


Specimen stability: 

Stable 4 hours on ice, 1 hour at room temperature.


Rejection criteria: 

Stability limits exceeded.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

0 - 1.5% of total hemoglobin.


CPT code(s):  83050
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Methemoglobin.


Methodology: 
Optical
Synonyms: 

Met-Hb, METHGB, MetHb


Clinical significance: 

Methemoglobin is hemoglobin whose iron is oxidized to its ferric state and as such is unable to bind oxygen. Methemoglobinemia can produce hypoxia and cyanosis. Methemoglobinemia can be the result of hereditary conditions or exposure to toxic substances such as nitrates, nitrites, aniline dye and their derivatives and topical anesthesetics such as benzocaine.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
Sheng-Ying (Margaret) Lo, PhD, DABCC
Benjamin Andress, PhD, DABCC
Review Date:  01/14/2025

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