Sign in →

Test Code LAB2895 Carbon Monoxide Hgb

Important Note

Place specimen in outside pocket of a pre-filled biohazard bag of ice, then put into a separate biohazard bag for transport.

Clinical System Name

Carbon Monoxide Hgb

Synonyms

LAB2895

CO Hgb

Carboxyhemoglobin
CO (Carbon Monoxide)

Sample Requirements

Specimen: Whole Blood (arterial or venous)

Container(s): Heparinized Syringe, 2 Capillary Blood Gas Tubes

Preferred Vol: 1.0 mL arterial or venous blood in a Heparinized Syringe

Minimum Vol: 2 Heparinized Capillary Blood Gas Tubes. (EPOC capillary tubes are not acceptable).

 

Note: Use only Arterial Blood Sample syringe with dry Lithium Heparin for gases and electrolytes or heparinized capillary blood gas tubes. Avoid air bubbles. Expel air from syringe and cap it immediately after obtaining the sample. Capillary blood gas tubes must be filled completely and mixed thoroughly to dissolve and disperse the heparin. EPOC capillary tubes are not acceptable. Ideally, whole blood specimens should be analyzed within 15 minutes of blood draw. Place specimen in outside pocket of a pre-filled biohazard bag of ice, then put into a separate biohazard bag for transport. Send to the lab immediately.

Processing Instructions

Deliver to Core Lab on ice. Notify technologist - STAT

Reject due to: Inadequately filled specimens, air bubbles, visible clots, age of specimen

Spin: N

Aliquot: N

Temp: On ice

 

Off-site collection: Sample must be collected at Children's.  Please contact Laboratory (206) 987-2617 for additional information.

Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Heparinized Syringe, Heparinized Capillary Blood Gas Tube RT ≤ 15 min
Heparinized Syringe, Heparinized Capillary Blood Gas Tube 0-4 C ≤ 30 min
  -20 C or -70C N

Availability

STAT Performed TAT
Y 24/7 15 minutes

Performing Laboratory

Seattle Children's Laboratory    

Department

Department:  Chemistry - Core

Phone Number: 206-987-2617 (Client Services)

CPT Codes

82375

Methodology

Method: Oximetry by SIEMENS RAPIDPOINT 500

Analytical Volume: 

AGE VOLUME
0-2 Y 1 FULL Heparinized Capillary Blood Gas Tube
> 2 Y 0.5 mL Heparinized Syringe

Reference Range

Normal environmental exposure: 0.5 - 1.5%

Smokers: ≤ 9%

Toxic concentration: ≥ 20%

Description

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes anoxia, because CO binds to hemoglobin with an affinity 240 times greater than that of oxygen, thus preventing delivery of oxygen to the tissues. Twenty percent saturation of hemoglobin induces symptoms (headache, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, increased pulse, and respiratory rate). Sixty percent saturation is usually fatal. This concentration is reached when there is 1 part CO per 1,000 parts air.

Carboxyhemoglobin diminishes at a rate of about 15% per hour when the patient is removed from the contaminated environment.

The most common cause of CO toxicity is exposure to automobile exhaust fumes. Significant levels of carboxyhemoglobin can also be observed in heavy smokers. Victims of fires often show elevated levels from inhaling CO generated during combustion. Susceptibility to CO poisoning is increased in anemic persons.