Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Methaemoglobin arises when the iron component in haemoglobin is oxidised so that it is in the ferric state (Fe3+). MetHb is unable to bind oxygen and therefore cannot participate in respiratory function. MetHb is found in red blood cells and is formed by glycolysis, however reduction of the oxidised haem prevents accumulation and its concentration is usually less than 1% of the total haemoglobin. MetHb is restricted to the red blood cells and is only released during haemolysis, when it can be found in the plasma and urine. Even low levels of MetHb can cause the oxygen dissociation curve to shift towards the left, which can result in tissue anoxia.
Specimen container paediatric:
Lithium heparin whole blood
Specimen container adult:
Lithium heparin whole blood
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
Minimum volume adult:
0.5 mL blood
Special requirements:
Must be analysed within 30 minutes of collection
Transport requirements:
Ambient
Reference ranges:
0 – 1.5%