Clinical Trial Methemoglobin

Test Code

9647

CPT Codes
83050<br>Clinical Trial Code

Preferred Specimen

5 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

Specimen MUST be delivered refrigerated within 72 hours of collection for analysis.

Please note: Heparinized or citrated whole blood can also be used IF client provides a hemoglobin result on the patient.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 2 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable

Methodology
Spectrophotometry

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 1 day

Reference Range

See Laboratory Report

Clinical Significance

The Methemoglobin concentration in blood is increased to 10 to 30 percent of the total hemoglobin in congenital methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobin is increased to some degree in persons who have ingested nitrites, nitrates, or certain drugs or chemicals such as phenacetin, phenazopyridine, sulfonamides, sulfones, or aniline dyes, as well as in those who have received a local anesthetic that contains an aniline ring, such as benzocaine or lidocaine.

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.