Methemoglobin

Specimen Type = Syringe or Tube Type = Green Top

Specimen Type

Test ID LAB91
EPIC Order METHEMOGLOBIN
CPT Code(s) 83050
Group/Individual Test Individual
Laboratory Core Laboratory-Blood Gas
Tube Station 31
Specimen Routine: 1 mL whole blood in 3cc syringe w/ lyophilized heparin in BG Kit, SafePICO Collection Kit, or Green Lithium Heparin – NO GEL. See Comments
Micro:

0.5 mL whole blood in 1cc syringe w/ lyophilized heparin in BG Kit or full heparinized capillary tube. See Comments.
Stability  

Room Temp/Refrigerated: up to 4 hours

Frozen: NO
Availability Routine: 24 hr/day
STAT: Yes
Turnaround Time 10 minutes
Reference Range Normal: <1.5%
Critical: >10%
Comments
  • Dark Green Top Sodium Heparin tubes are NOT acceptable and will be rejected.
  • Deliver Immediately to Blood Gas lab.   
  • Syringes with needles attached will NOT be accepted.
  • Blood Gas syringes may be obtained from Central Distribution.
  • Heparinized capillary samples can be analyzed if at least 200 µL of clot-free blood is present.

Reviewed by J. Carr on February 03, 2026

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514