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HelpTest Code PLHBB Plasma Free Hemoglobin, Plasma
Reporting Name
Plasma Free Hemoglobin, PUseful For
Determining whether hemolysis is occurring such as from:
-Transfusion reaction
-Mechanical fragmentation of red blood cells
-Relative comparison to baseline levels in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and centrifugal ventricular assist device patients to assess pump disruption
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Plasma EDTASpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge and transfer plasma to a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
2. Results could be falsely elevated due to artifactual red blood cell lysis if not centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma EDTA | Refrigerated (preferred) | 20 days | |
| Frozen | 30 days | ||
| Ambient | 4 days |
Reference Values
TOTAL PLASMA HEMOGLOBIN
≥12 months: 0.0-15.2 mg/dL
Reference values have not been established for patients who are younger than 12 months of age.
OXYHEMOGLOBIN
≥12 months: 0.0-12.4 mg/dL
Reference values have not been established for patients who are younger than 12 months of age.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Test 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
83051
Clinical Information
Hemoglobin is contained within erythrocytes and significant amounts of "free hemoglobin" (outside the red blood cell [RBC]) are not normally present in plasma. This free hemoglobin is also called plasma hemoglobin.
Normal blood draw procedures cause a limited degree of unavoidable disruption and therefore a small amount of free hemoglobin may normally be present. When detectable, the total plasma hemoglobin and a subcomponent, oxyhemoglobin, are both reported.
Significant amounts of free hemoglobin occur in plasma following disruption of the RBC for any reason. This might result from a transfusion reaction or mechanical fragmentation of RBCs due to instrumentation, surgical procedures, or mechanical devices. Patients requiring support from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or centrifugal ventricular assist devices are commonly monitored for trends in plasma free hemoglobin levels to assess for increasing hemolysis. Sharp spikes in plasma hemoglobin levels can indicate pump disruption. However, plasma hemoglobin can be artifactually increased due to a traumatic blood draw or prolonged exposure to post-draw RBCs. Additionally, bilirubin interferes substantially with the ability to calculate total plasma hemoglobin levels and results may be spurious and unreliable. This is a difficulty frequently encountered in serially tested patients. When this occurs, the oxyhemoglobin level tends to show less interference and will be the only analyte reported in the presence of increased bilirubin (>5 mg/dL). When using trending data, total plasma hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin levels are not interchangeable and should be compared within their subgroups only.
Report Available
1 to 3 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
Method Name
Spectrophotometry (SP)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Benign Hematology Test Request Form (T755) with the specimen.