Heinz Body Stain
Also known as: HEINZ
Use
Heinz Body Stain is used as a nonspecific screening test for hemolysis due to a variety of causes, including drugs, toxins, enzyme deficiencies, thalassemias, and unstable hemoglobins. This test can help in diagnosing conditions associated with oxidative stress in red blood cells, such as G6PD deficiency and other enzyme deficiencies, thalassemias, and unstable hemoglobins.
Special Instructions
Heinz Body Stain requires a whole blood specimen, collected in Lavender (EDTA), Pink (K2EDTA), or Green (Sodium or Lithium Heparin) tubes. The specimen must be refrigerated and cannot be older than 96 hours. Additionally, it is not suitable for specimens from infants under 6 months, as results are unreliable in this age group.
Limitations
The test is a nonspecific screen and a negative result does not rule out RBC enzyme deficiencies, thalassemias, and unstable hemoglobins. Elevated results can be influenced by factors such as exposure to chemical and drug oxidants and post-splenectomy conditions. This test's results may vary based on the patient's age and sample handling quality.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 716-1
- 33057-1
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
5 mL
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Container
Lavender (EDTA), Pink (K2EDTA), or Green (Sodium or Lithium Heparin)
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated
Causes for Rejection
Samples greater than 96 hours old; specimens from infants under 6 months.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 96 hours |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |