Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry  (METABOLIC)
Test Name:
PLASMA HEMOGLOBIN - (P)
Test Code: PHB
Clinical Information:
Alternate Name(s): Free Hemoglobin, Plasma Free Hemoglobin
Description: Measurement of free hemoglobin in plasma.
Test Indications: Evaluation of acute intravascular hemolytic disorders.
Test performed at:
Health Sciences Centre by DSM Biochemical Genetics Laboratory using a spectrophotometric method.
Collection Devices:
Sodium Heparin is acceptable
Tube with or without gel is acceptable for all those devices.
Specimen Required:


Plasma: 2.0 mL
Pediatric Plasma: 2.0 mL

Collection Information:
Avoid traumatic blood collection
Use of syringe and small-bore needles is not recommended
Send immediately to the lab. Avoid sending samples through the pneumatic system
Special Processing: Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a tube/vial within 2 hours of collection to avoid artifactual red blood cell lysis. Keep the sample refrigerated or frozen
Specimen Stability: 
Ambient: rejected
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 1 year
For any question, please communicate with the Metabolic Lab (HSC) 204-787-4530
 
Referral:
Plasma: 2.0 mL
Pediatric Plasma: 2.0 mL

Shipping & Storage: Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a tube/vial within 2 hours of collection to avoid artifactual red blood cell lysis. Store and ship the plasma frozen.
Testing Laboratory (MB): Metabolic Lab, Health Sciences Centre
Referred Out Location: N/A
For any question, please communicate with the Metabolic Lab (HSC) 204-787-4530
Requisition:
Reference Values:
Reference Intervals: Plasma hemoglobin < 0.10 g/L
Critical Value: N/A
Method of Analysis: Direct Spectrophotometry
Availability:
Weekdays
See Also:
More Information:
Interpretation & Assay Interferences: An elevation in plasma hemoglobin above the reference range indicates likely intravascular hemolysis.
 
Methemalbumin is no longer reported with this assay.
 
Causes of falsely increase results:
1. Test performed on Serum: hemoglobin is liberated from red blood cells during clotting
2. Traumatic blood drawn and other mechanical stress causing hemolysis including forceful aspiration in sample procurement, cannula malposition, inadequate pump speed to blood flow ratio, continuous renal replacement therapy, thrombosis or large hematomas.