Plasma Free Hemoglobin, Plasma
Use
This test is useful for determining whether hemolysis is occurring, which can result from causes such as transfusion reactions, mechanical fragmentation of red blood cells, or other clinical settings. It can also be used in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and centrifugal ventricular assist device patients to assess pump disruption by comparing with baseline levels.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete and send a Benign Hematology Test Request Form with the specimen. Results could be falsely elevated due to red blood cell lysis if not centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
Limitations
Test should not be performed on serum; hemoglobin is liberated from red blood cells during clotting, leading to falsely increased results. Bilirubin significantly interferes with quantitation of total plasma hemoglobin, and high bilirubin levels necessitate reporting only oxyhemoglobin. Careful specimen collection is required to avoid hemolysis that can lead to artifactual results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Spectrophotometry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 87433-9
- 721-1
- 87437-0
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
1.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4 days |
| Refrigerated | 20 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |