Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
BCY
Test Code (Numeric Code)
0847
Laboratory Handling
Transport
4mL EDTA tube should be frozen as early as possible (preferred).
Separating
Do not spin.
Laboratory
LabPLUS Toxicology
Sample Stability
Cyanide stability can be maximised at -20°C
Turnaround Time
2 days
Turnaround Time: Between 1 day and 2 days. Ideally samples are analysed within 24 hours. Please contact the on-call Chemical Pathologist for unusual requests (e.g. multiple patients, nitroprusside related toxicity), urgent cases or those that may benefit from additional monitoring such as thiocyanate testing.
Specimen Type
- Whole Blood
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- EDTA (Lavender Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
4
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- EDTA (Microtainer)
Additional Specimen Information
Cyanide stability can be maximised at -20 o C.
4mL EDTA tube should be frozen as early as possible (preferred). Do not spin.
Emergency - transport to lab rapidly on ice. Pre-warn Biochemistry department of sample. Freeze on arrival if not already frozen.
Gastric aspirate testing is no longer available.
Laboratory Notes:
4ml EDTA - Urgent - DO NOT SPIN - Hand deliver to Toxicology - If after hours freeze the sample.
Last updated: 07/08/2026