Cyanide, Blood Test
Use
The Cyanide, Blood test is used to measure the level of cyanide in the blood. High levels of cyanide are indicative of cyanide poisoning, which can occur from inhalation, ingestion, or absorption of cyanide compounds. Detecting cyanide in blood is crucial in cases of suspected poisoning for timely treatment and to prevent potentially lethal outcomes. Cyanide has a high affinity for iron in mitochondrial cytochromes, disrupting cellular respiration and energy production, which can rapidly lead to severe symptoms and death if untreated.
Special Instructions
This test cannot be shared between multiple orders and requires a dedicated specimen per order. Preferred specimen collection is in a gray top tube (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride), and it must be sent frozen.
Limitations
The test is specifically performed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), which provides high sensitivity and specificity for cyanide detection. However, this test does not measure cyanide metabolites or related compounds such as thiocyanate. Improper specimen handling, such as non-frozen samples, may affect the stability and accuracy of the results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 5634-1
- 5634-1
- 19147-8
Result Turnaround Time
11-13 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Gray top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride)
Collection Instructions
Collect 2 mL whole blood in potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride Gray top tube, send frozen.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |