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HelpTest Code LAB56 Carbon Monoxide, Blood (Carboxyhemoglobin)
Reporting Title
Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb)
Methodology
Radiometer Analyzer
Performing Laboratory
OhioHealth Laboratory Services:
RMH, PMH, MGH Core Laboratory
GMC, DH, HMH, OMH, MH, BH, PMH, WECC Respiratory Department
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Acceptable Specimens:
Arterial or venous blood
Preferred:
Vacutainer® Tube
Draw a full heparin tube (lithium or sodium heparin). Mix by gently inverting 8 times. Test is performed on whole blood - do not centrifuge. Avoid exposure to atmosphere
Also acceptable:
Heparinized Syringe
Draw 2 mL of blood in a 3-mL heparinized syringe or a minimum of 0.5 mL of blood in a 1-mL heparinized syringe. Expel any air bubbles. Cap syringe and mix by rolling syringe between palms for 15 seconds.
Note: 1. Sulfhemoglobin interferes with carboxyhemoglobin.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood | Refrigerated | 14 days capped specimen |
| Ambient | 14 days capped specimen |
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerate/Ambient
Reference Values
Suburban nonsmokers: 0.0-1.5% of total Hgb
Smokers: 1.5-5.0% of total Hgb
Heavy smokers: 5.0-9.0% of total Hgb
Critical value > 10%
Alerting category: First instance called within 1 hour
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Test Classification and CPT Coding
82375