CARBOXYHEMOGLOBIN ED/UC

Test Code

Preferred Specimen

Plastic , disposable blood gas syringe, Lithium heparin

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Instructions

Must deliver to lab at room temp within 30 minutes of draw.

Transport Temperature

Room Temp

Specimen Stability

30 min

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Excessive air in syringe.

Methodology
CO-Oximetry

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

1 hour from receipt in laboratory

Reference Range

< 3.0% nonsmoker
<10.0% smoker

Clinical Significance

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, colorless, nonirritating gas formed by hydrocarbon combustion. The atmospheric concentration of CO is generally below 0.001 percent, but it may be higher in urban areas or enclosed environments. CO binds to hemoglobin with much greater affinity than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and resulting in impaired oxygen transport and utilization. CO can also precipitate an inflammatory cascade that results in central nervous system (CNS) lipid peroxidation and delayed neurologic sequelae.

Performing Laboratory
West Roxbury Chemistry
Jonathan Dryjowicz-Burek
857-203-5418

Last Updated: March 2, 2026

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.