Ordering Recommendation
Use to confirm unstable nature of hemoglobins. Test cannot be used on infants <6 months of age due to physiologically elevated Hb F levels.
Mnemonic
HGB UNSTAB
Methodology
Visual Identification
Performed
Mon-Fri
Reported
1-5 days
New York DOH Approval Status
This test is New York DOH approved.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
Test results are unreliable in infants younger than 6 months of age.
Collect
Lavender (EDTA) or pink (K2EDTA).
Specimen Preparation
DO NOT FREEZE. Transport 5 mL whole blood. (Min: 2 mL)
Storage/Transport Temperature
Refrigerated.
Unacceptable Conditions
Samples more than 7 days old. Specimens collected on infants less than 6 months old.
Remarks
Stability
Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval
Negative
Interpretive Data
Compliance Category
Standard
Note
Hotline History
N/A
CPT Codes
83068
Components
Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
---|---|---|
0049020 | Hemoglobin, Unstable | 4639-1 |
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
Aliases
- Hb Heat Sensitivity
- Heat Stability Test
- Isopropanol Stability Test
- RBC Heat Stability Test
- Unstable Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin, Unstable