Carboxyhaemoglobin | KK Women's and Children's Hospital

Specimen Container	Heparinised syringe
Specimen Requirement	Collect 2 mL of blood in a heparinised syringe. Expel air bubbles, cap the syringe and roll the specimen between the hands for 15 seconds to gently mix it. Place this in a biohazard specimen bag and then immerse this bag into another bag with crushed ice. Send immediately to Lab. Clotted specimen or air bubble in the specimen will be REJECTED. Invert blood 5 times after blood collection ensures the anticoagulant is well mixed with the blood. This will ensure results are reliable.
Specimen Storage/Transport	Collect blood in a syringe. Place syringe in a biohazard specimen bag and then immerse this bag into another bag with crushed ice. Send immediately to Lab.
Orderable as Urgent?	Yes
Turn Around Time	Average 30 mins ( 25 - 35 mins )
Reference Value(s)	0.5 - 1.5% (Carboxyhaemoglobin: Please note that smokers can have higher levels of carboxyhaemoglobin.)
Testing Laboratory Location	KKH
Laboratory	Clinical Chemistry
Contact Number	6394 1383
Day and Time Performed	Daily, 24 hrs
Orderable on CPOE?	Yes
Downtime Form	Clinical Chemistry - Form A

Change History Notes

Last Updated - 28 May 2025