HEMOGLOBIN (089-0017)

Synonyms: HGB

CPT 4 Code: 85018 (Limited Coverage Test (NCD)

Test Order Mnemonic: HGB

Test Includes: Hemoglobin (HGB)

Applies To: Monitoring hematological status when Complete Blood Cell (CBC) parameters are not required.

Lab: Hematopathology

Request Form: Hematology A

Collection: Venipuncture preferred; Micro-collection acceptable.

Storage Instructions: Stable at Room Temperature for 24 hours.  Stable Refrigerated for 36 hours.

Cause For Rejection: Clotted, QNS, hemolysis, identification error

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

Turnaround Time: STAT: 1 hour;  Routine: 4 hours

Special Instructions: ECMO specimens should be delivered directly to the Hematopathology lab (5.142 McCullough)

Specimen: Blood

Volume: 2 ml

Minimum Volume: 1 mL (0.5 mL in extreme emergency)

Container: EDTA (Lavender-top tube)

Reference Ranges: Age/Sex Related (See patient chart)

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

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

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

Reviewed 10/10/07, L. Emanuel,  MT(ASCP)