CARBON MONOXIDE

Message

CHEMISTRY

Test Code

CO2

Alias/See Also

CARBOXYHEMOGLOBIN(WRJ), MONOXIDE POISONING

Preferred Specimen

HEPARIN SYRINGE

Minimum Volume

2 MLS

Instructions

**Sample may be drawn in a blood gas syringe, or Alternatively, a special pH-balanced heprin syringe(Pico 50) which may be obtained from the laboratory.***

Transport Container

Transport immediately at room temperature. If analysis is delayed more than 30 minutes, store in ice water.

Transport Temperature

ROOM TEMP- IF SENT TO LAB IMMEDIATELY, IF PROLONGED 30+ MINUTES, SEND IN ICE WATER.

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

Unlabeled sample, improper temperature during transport. Wrong sample collection.

Setup Schedule

DAILY

Report Available

DAILY

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
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION VT VA- CHEMISTRY 802-295-9363 EXT: 5518, 5519

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.