Carboxyhemoglobin, Blood : 309

Test Code

COHBQ or 309

Alias/See Also

Carbon monoxide poisoning

CPT Codes
82375

Instructions

Lavender (EDTA) or green (no gel) (sodium or lithium heparin). A full tube is preferred. Keep tube closed after collection.

Transport Container

Transport whole blood. Do not centrifuge whole blood. Do not uncap tube.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Specimen Stability

Ambient: 5 days; Refrigerated: 10 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

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

Fluoride oxalate (gray-top) tube; grossly clotted.

Methodology
Spectrophotometry

Setup Schedule

Sunday - Saturday

Report Available

3-4 days (From receipt at performing laboratory)

Reference Range

Non-Smoker             less than 2 % of total Hgb
Average Smoker   4-5 % of total Hgb
Heavy Smoker        8-12 % of total Hgb
Potentially Toxic   greater than 15 % of total Hgb

Clinical Significance

Carbon monoxide is the most common of the gaseous poisons. Malfunctioning or poorly ventilated heating appliances and internal combustion engines are frequent causes of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide combines reversibly with hemoglobin in a manner almost identical to oxygen resulting in a decrease in the amount of oxygen carried by hemoglobin. Accidental poisoning can occur even at low levels (greater than 0.01%) of CO in the atmosphere with prolonged exposure.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics

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.