Carboxyhemoglobin Quantitation, Whole Blood by Co-Oximetry
Also known as: CARBOXY HB
Use
This test is used to diagnose increased carbon monoxide (CO) levels and CO poisoning. Carboxyhemoglobin levels are measured to determine carbon monoxide exposure, as increased levels can indicate CO poisoning. Individuals who smoke typically demonstrate higher Carboxyhemoglobin values than non-smokers, thus differentiating between smokers and non-smokers can be important in clinical evaluations.
Special Instructions
Specimen collection requires the use of green (sodium or lithium heparin) tubes. Do not collect specimens by finger stick or heel stick. Keep the specimen anaerobic by not removing the cap from the collection tube, and refrigerate it within 30 minutes after collection. Ensure that specimens are transported within 24 hours of collection. Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered.
Limitations
Ambient temperatures are unacceptable for this test, and the specimen cannot be frozen. Specimens should be kept anaerobic, with any that have been exposed to air or contain air bubbles or clots being unacceptable. Specimens collected in EDTA tubes or not meeting specified transport conditions (refrigerated) are also unacceptable.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Spectrophotometry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 20563-3
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Green (sodium or lithium heparin)
Collection Instructions
Do not collect by finger stick or heel stick. Keep specimen anaerobic by not removing the cap from the collection tube. Refrigerate within 30 minutes after collection.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens collected in EDTA tubes or not anaerobically. Specimens that have been opened or exposed to room air. Frozen or room temperature specimens. Specimens containing air bubbles or clots.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |