HEMOGLOBIN: (089-0017)

Clinical Indication:

 Monitoring hematological status when Complete Blood Count (CBC) parameters are not required.

Test Mnemonic:

 HGB

Methodology:

 Part of an automated multi-parameter counting system.  The hemoglobin count is measured using a sodium lauryl sulfate method. 

Performed:

 Samples are accepted 24 hours per day at Sample Management, 5.136 McCullough

Turnaround Time:

 STAT: 1 hour; Routine: 4 hours

Specimen Requirements:

Collect: Routine venipuncture; Collect in EDTA (lavender tube). Micro-collection is acceptable.  The specimen should be collected to the appropriate fill volume stated on the collection tube.  The minimum volume required is 90% of the stated tube volume.

Storage/Transport:  Room Temperature 4 hours.  If testing cannot be completed within 4 hours sample should be refrigerated at 2-8° C.

Stability: Stable Refrigerated for 24 hours.

Causes for Rejection:  Clotted, QNS, identification error, hemolysis

Clinical Information:

Critical Values: Hemoglobin < 7.0 g/dL (newborns), < 5.0 g/dL (children/adult)

 Interfering Substances: High WBC counts, cold agglutinins, elevated lipids, elevated chylomicrons, elevated bilirubin, inappropriate anticoagulants.

Reference Range:

 By report (reports may vary based on instrumentation, patient age and sex)

CPT 4 Code:

85018 (Limited Coverage Test (NCD)

Reviewed: 8/15/12

A. Huerta, BS, MT(ASCP), MBA

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient.  Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually.  The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-9 code or its verbal equivalent.