Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
CARB
Test Code (Numeric Code)
0832
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
Non-gel dark green Heparin tube acceptable, or a 1 mL Blood Gas.
Separating
Carboxyhaemoglobin - Heparin (Whole Blood). DO NOT SPIN.
Sample Stability
The half-life of carboxyhaemoglobin in the body is 5 - 6 hours when the patient breathes air; it is decreased to 1.5 hours on 100% oxygen.
After blood is taken carboxyHb is stable for at least a week at room temperature.
Turnaround Time
1 hour
Specimen Type
- Whole Blood
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Acceptable
- Blood Gas Syringe
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
5
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
No of Samples Required
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Heparin (Microtainer)
Acceptable
- Blood Gas Syringe
- Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
1
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Additional Specimen Information
1 mL Blood Gas
Last updated: 20/07/2026