Thiocyanate, Serum
Use
This test is used for the measurement of thiocyanate levels in the serum, which can be useful in monitoring exposure to cyanide through sources such as smoking, certain dietary conditions, or in individuals receiving sodium nitroprusside treatment. Thiocyanate is a metabolite of cyanide and elevated levels can indicate potential toxicity, particularly in the context of sodium nitroprusside use. Understanding thiocyanate levels can aid healthcare providers in adjusting dosages and preventing toxicity.
Special Instructions
Specimens must be refrigerated and sent in a plastic vial. Plasma should not be collected using plasma gel tubes, and serum should not be collected using serum gel tubes. This test can be ordered by NY State clients as it is approved for order in NY State.
Limitations
Mild hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus in specimens are generally acceptable, but gross hemolysis is not. Anticoagulants other than sodium heparin and plain red-top are not acceptable. The test has a minimum volume requirement of 0.50 mL, which does not allow for repeat testing, so precise specimen collection is important to ensure a valid result.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other (Spectrophotometry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3002-3
- 3002-3
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.50 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in a green-top (sodium heparin) tube. Plasma gel tube is not acceptable. Spin down and send plasma refrigerated.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (preferred): 14 days, Ambient: 72 hours, Frozen: 180 days
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, anticoagulants other than sodium heparin, EDTA, or plain red-top.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 180 days |