Test directory: Methemoglobin

Ordering Code6531
Test NameMethemoglobin
Preferred SpecimenWhole Blood
Preferred ContainerHeparinized Syringe
Other Specimen/ContainerWhole Blood in Lithium Heparin (Green)
Optimum Volume0.5 mL
Collection InstructionsIf using a Heparinzied Syringe: Remove needle and place a luer tip cap on the syringe.
Handling InstructionsHeparinized Syringe: Place tightly capped syringe (needle removed) on wet ice and forward to the QMC Punchbowl Lab within 2 hours of collection
Whole Blood in Lithium Heparin (Green): Deliver whole blood in Lithium Heparin tube (Green), tightly capped, on wet ice, within 3 days of collection.
Transport RequirementsOahu: Refrigerated on Wet Ice
Airline: Refrigerated on Wet Ice
Specimen StabilityRefrigerated (On Ice):
Heparinized Syringe: 2 Hours (tightly capped)
Lithium Heparin Tube: 3 Days (tightly capped)
Rejection CriteriaSpecimen older than stability limits, Specimen uncapped,
Ambient, Frozen, Hemolyzed, Specimen not on wet ice
Avail. StatYES
Analytic Time1 Day
MethodologyCo-oximetry

Reference range(s)

ComponentAgeMale NormMale Critical LowMale Critical HighFemale NormFemale Critical HighFemale Critical LowUnitsAdd'l info
MetHemoglobinALL0.0-1.50.0-1.5%