Test Code MSHGB 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
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
Whole Blood EDTASpecimen Required
Specimen must arrive within 72 hours of draw.
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. This test 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 |
Clinical Reference
Beutler E: Methemoglobinemia and other causes of cyanosis. In Hematology. Sixth edition. Edited by WJ Williams, E Beutler, AJ Erslev, MA Lichtman. New York, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 2001, pp 611-614
Method Description
Methemoglobin:
The normal absorption spectrum of oxyhemoglobin has very little optical density above 600 nm. The absorption spectrum of methemoglobin exhibits a small, characteristic peak at 630 nm. This peak is abolished as methemoglobin is converted to cyanmethemoglobin upon addition of potassium cyanide, and the drop in optical density is proportional to methemoglobin concentration.
Sulfhemoglobin:
The normal absorption spectrum of oxyhemoglobin has very little optical density above 600 nm. However, if certain poorly defined hemoglobin denaturation products are present in a hemolysate, there is a broad elevation of the absorption curve in the range of 600 nm to 620 nm. This "sulfhemoglobin" plateau is not affected by treatment with cyanide. Sulfhemoglobin is not available, nor can it be prepared, in a pure form for preparation of a sulfhemoglobin standard. In calculating sulfhemoglobin concentration, the factor for sulfhemoglobin quantitation is based on studies of Carrico, et al (1978).(Evelyn KA, Malloy HT: Microdetermination of oxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin, and sulfhemoglobin in a single sample of blood. J Biol Chem 1938;126:655-662; Carrico RJ, Peisach J, Alben JO: The preparation and some physical properties of sulfhemoglobin. J Analyt Biochem 1978;253:2386-2391; Fairbanks VF, Klee GG: Biochemical aspects of hematology. In Teitz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry. Edited by CA Burtis, ER Ashwood, WB Saunders Company, 1999, pp 1676-1678)
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Method Name
Spectrophotometry (SP)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Benign Hematology Test Request Form (T755) with the specimen.
Profile Information
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
METH | Methemoglobin, B | No | Yes |
SULF | Sulfhemoglobin, B | No | Yes |