Pathology | Eastern Health

Test & Collection Guide

Pathology staff view

Plasma Free Haemoglobin

Ordering information:

To be Requested by ICU only. Please note, an elevated Plasma Free Haemoglobin indicates haemolysis of red blood cells. It cannot indicate whether haemolysis occurred in vivo or in vitro, nor can it indicated the cause of haemolysis. Clinical correlation is required.

Laboratory:

Biochemistry

Test Code:

PLFHB

Specimen types:

Plasma

Container types:

Lithium heparin no gel

Collection Instructions:

Samples must be hand delivered to the lab to avoid shaking, which will falsely raise the plasma free-haemoglobin. Normal operating plasma free-haemoglobin level is < 0.10 g/dL. This is performed 24-hourly whilst on ECMO (routinely taken with the daily blood samples) according to clinical need/ECMO clinician direction.

Samples are taken by passively filling a 10mL syringe carefully from the intra-arterial line access port. Do not connect to a negative pressure “vacutainer” for sampling. The plasma free-haemoglobin collection tube is filled from the syringe after removing the lid, gently injecting blood from the syringe and then replacing the lid. No needles are required.

Minimum Adult Volume:

1 mL

Frequency:

Daily

Result Turnaround Time:

2 hours

Reference Interval:

Decision cut point: 100 mg/dL

Laboratory Use Only

Accessing Results

EMR: Pathology results are available via EMR.

Auscare: If EMR is unavailable, results can be accessed through Auscare. Don’t have an Auscare login? Complete the Auscare User Form.

To access Auscare, see instructions.

Forms & Collection Guides

Consent Form – Non-Medicare Tests
For tests not covered by Medicare. Download Form

Pathology Request Form
Printable referral form for submitting pathology requests. Download Form.

Microbiology Swab Collection Guide
Step-by-step instructions for correct swab collection. Download Guide.

Preferred Order of Draw
Instructions to ensure accurate blood collection and results. View Instructions

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