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CARBON MONOXIDE, BLOOD
Number 535
CPT Code 82375
Alias CARBOXYHEMOGLOBIN, CO
Specimen Container Lavender Top
Specimen Type Whole Blood EDTA
Turn Around Time
Days Performed
Reference Range Nonsmoker: <2%; Smoker: <9%
Alternate Specimen
Volume 7 mL Whole Blood
Stability Ambient N/A
Stability Refrigerated Preferred
Stability Frozen N/A
Patient Preparation
Methodology
Co-oximetry
Limitations
Carbon monoxide levels are of limited value in testing for smoking, since it is cleared rapidly. The half-life of carboxyhemoglobin in individuals with normal cardiopulmonary function is one to two hours. Urinary cotinine, if available, is preferable as a test for tobacco use. Arterial blood gases may be of limited value in treatment decisions for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Rejection Criteria
Clotted specimen
Additional Instructions
Performing Laboratory Reference Laboratory
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