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HelpTest Code MET Methemoglobin and Sulfhemoglobin, Blood
Reporting Name
Methemoglobin and Sulfhemoglobin, BUseful For
Diagnosing methemoglobinemia and sulfhemoglobinemia
Identifying cyanosis due to other causes, such as congenital heart disease
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| METH | Methemoglobin, B | No | Yes |
| SULF | Sulfhemoglobin, B | No | Yes |
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Whole Blood EDTAShipping Instructions
Specimen must arrive within 72 hours of collection.
Necessary Information
Patient's age is required.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: Full tube
Additional Information: Patient's age is required.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood EDTA | Refrigerated | 72 hours |
Reference Values
METHEMOGLOBIN
0-11 months: Not established
≥1 year: 0.0-1.5% of total hemoglobin
SULFHEMOGLOBIN
0-11 months: Not established
≥1 year: 0.0-0.4% of total hemoglobin
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
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
83050-Methemoglobin
83060-Sulfhemoglobin
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| MET | Methemoglobin and Sulfhemoglobin, B | 98902-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8268 | Methemoglobin, B | 2614-6 |
| 8272 | Sulfhemoglobin, B | 4685-4 |
Interpretation
In congenital methemoglobinemia, the methemoglobinemia concentration in blood is about 15% to 20% of total hemoglobin. Such patients are mildly cyanotic and asymptomatic.
In acquired (toxic) methemoglobinemia, the concentration may be much higher. Symptoms may be severe when methemoglobin is greater than 40% of hemoglobin. Very high concentrations (>70%) may be fatal.
Clinical Reference
Prchal JT. Methemoglobinemia and other dyshemoglobinemias. In: In: Kaushansky K, Prchal JT, Burns LJ, Lichtman MA, Levi M, Linch DC, eds. Williams Hematology, 10 ed. McGraw-Hill Education; 2021:chap 51
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysMethod Name
Spectrophotometry (SP)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Benign Hematology Test Request Form (T755) with the specimen.