Methemoglobin, venous

Test Code
VMEHG


Alias/See Also
Met Hgb, venous;  %MetHb


Preferred Specimen
EDTA (lavender/purple top) or Sodium heparinized (dark green top) whole blood.  Microtainer (bullet) is not acceptable.


Minimum Volume
60 ul


Other Acceptable Specimens
Lithium heparinized (light green top) whole blood.  Microtainer (bullet) is not acceptable.


Instructions
Samples should be obtained by venipuncture.  Care should be take to prevent the introduction of air into the sample when it is drawn. When using a syringe, expel all air bubbles from the syringe, then cap and seal the end of the syringe.


Transport Container
Collection container


Transport Temperature
Room temperature


Specimen Stability
Deliver immediately to the laboratory.


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
 Any specimen other than heparinized (Li or Na) or EDTA anti-coagulated whole blood. Any clotted or hemolyzed specimen.


Reference Range
0.0 - 3.0%


Clinical Significance
  Normally one to two percent of a person's hemoglobin is methemoglobin; a higher percentage than this can be genetic or caused by exposure to various chemicals and depending on the level can cause health problems known as methemoglobinemia.




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.