| Ordering Code | 6531 |
|---|---|
| Test Name | Methemoglobin |
| Preferred Specimen | Whole Blood |
| Preferred Container | Heparinized Syringe |
| Other Specimen/Container | Whole Blood in Lithium Heparin (Green) |
| Optimum Volume | 0.5 mL |
| Collection Instructions | If using a Heparinzied Syringe: Remove needle and place a luer tip cap on the syringe. |
| Handling Instructions | Heparinized 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 Requirements | Oahu: Refrigerated on Wet Ice Airline: Refrigerated on Wet Ice |
| Specimen Stability | Refrigerated (On Ice): Heparinized Syringe: 2 Hours (tightly capped) Lithium Heparin Tube: 3 Days (tightly capped) |
| Rejection Criteria | Specimen older than stability limits, Specimen uncapped, Ambient, Frozen, Hemolyzed, Specimen not on wet ice |
| Avail. Stat | YES |
| Analytic Time | 1 Day |
| Methodology | Co-oximetry |
Reference range(s)
The reference ranges listed below are valid on this date of June 29, 2025.
| Component | Age | Male Norm | Male Critical Low | Male Critical High | Female Norm | Female Critical High | Female Critical Low | Units | Add'l info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MetHemoglobin | ALL | 0.0-1.5 | 0.0-1.5 | % |