Cyanide in Whole Blood

Brief Description

This method is a quantitative procedure for measurement of Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) in whole blood using static headspace sampling and gas chromatography with mass selective detection.

Laboratory Unit

Chemical Threat

Methodology

GC-MSD (Gas Chromatography with Mass Selective Detection)

Specimen Collection

Whole Blood:

Collect as soon as possible after exposure. Collect in 5 or 7mL vacutainers containing EDTA (K2) or Heparin, with a minimum of 0.75 mL of sample. Two empty containers of the same lot number should be submitted with the specimen.

Storage/Transport

Consultation is required with GPHL Emergency Response Coordinator Req 24/7 contact number: 866-782-4584.  

Whole Blood Store refrigerated can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit.               

• FRM-QA 4 Refrigeration Outfit Guide

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Whole Blood

Test Request

• GPHL Apollo Web Portal
• Web Portal Instructions
• For manual orders, download the GPHL Submission Form

Possible Results

• 25 µg/L - 2500 µg/L
• Not detected
• Unsatisfactory
• PGC (Present but greater than highest calibrator)

Reference Range

<100 µg/L

Unacceptable Conditions

• Missing testing requisition.
• Missing minimum of 2 patient identifiers.
• No specimen received (empty collection tube).
• Specimen leaked, damaged, or crushed in transit
• Incorrect specimen type.
• Patient identifier on specimen does not match that on form.
• Low volume (< 0.75 mL).
• Failure to maintain temperature.
• Frozen or hemolyzed specimen.
• Suspected contamination.
• Clotted specimen.
• Expired sample collection container.

Interfering Substances

N/A

Result Reported

1-5 business days

Turnaround times may be affected by the scale of the event.

Fees

No charge

LOINC/Order Codes

43183-3 (Order Code: CT011100)