Pathology | Eastern Health

Test & Collection Guide

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

Medicare details:

MBS number: N/A
100% MBS price:

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

Laboratory Notes:

Please centrifuge offline in CSR and hand the sample directly to the biochemistry scientist. Do not place the sample on the track