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HelpTest Code Mayo: MET Methemoglobin and Sulfhemoglobin, Blood
Reporting Name
Methemoglobin and Sulfhemoglobin, BPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Useful For
Diagnosing methemoglobinemia and sulfhemoglobinemia
Identifying cyanosis due to other causes, such as congenital heart disease
Method Name
Spectrophotometry (SP)
Shipping Instructions
Specimen must arrive within 72 hours of collection.
Necessary Information
Patient's age is required.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: Full tube
Additional Information: Patient's age is required.
Specimen Type
Whole Blood EDTASpecimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood EDTA | Refrigerated | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Reference Values
METHEMOGLOBIN
0-11 months: Not established
≥1 year: 0.0-1.5% of total hemoglobin
SULFHEMOGLOBIN
0-11 months: Not established
≥1 year: 0.0-0.4% of total hemoglobin
Interpretation
In congenital methemoglobinemia, the methemoglobinemia concentration in blood is about 15% to 20% of total hemoglobin. Such patients are mildly cyanotic and asymptomatic.
In acquired (toxic) methemoglobinemia, the concentration may be much higher. Symptoms may be severe when methemoglobin is greater than 40% of hemoglobin. Very high concentrations (>70%) may be fatal.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysTest Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83050-Methemoglobin
83060-Sulfhemoglobin
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| MET | Methemoglobin and Sulfhemoglobin, B | 98902-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8268 | Methemoglobin, B | 2614-6 |
| 8272 | Sulfhemoglobin, B | 4685-4 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Benign Hematology Test Request Form (T755) with the specimen.
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| METH | Methemoglobin, B | No | Yes |
| SULF | Sulfhemoglobin, B | No | Yes |