Methaemoglobin
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 fun...
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.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Lithium heparin whole blood
Lithium heparin whole blood
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Lithium heparin whole blood
Lithium heparin whole blood
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Minimum Volume Adult:
0.5 mL blood
0.5 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
0.5 mL blood
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Special Requirement:
Must be analysed within 30 minutes of collection
Must be analysed within 30 minutes of collection
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Transport Requirements:
Ambient
Ambient
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Reference Ranges:
0 - 1.5%
0 - 1.5%
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
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Routine Email: