Test Details
Mnemonic
METHL
Ordering Code
1755020
CPT-4 Code(s)
80320 (84600)
Specimen Information
Collect
Gray sodium flouride. Do not remove cap from collection tube.
Specimen Preparation
Send 5.0 mL whole blood. Do not open container. Specimens in aliquot containers must be sealed immediately after transferring to minimize exposure to air. Use of alcohol swipes to clean the skin before drawing blood samples is not recommended.
Alternate Specimen
Green sodium or lithium heparin, serum from red top, urine
Minimum Volume
Whole blood: 2.0 mL
Urine: 10.0 mL
Urine: 10.0 mL
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Rejection Criteria
Serum separator tube (SST) and tubes containing gel
Stability
Whole Blood:
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Urine, Serum:
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days (avoid repeat freeze/thaw cycles)
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Urine, Serum:
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days (avoid repeat freeze/thaw cycles)
Methodology
Gas Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detection
Reference Range
Decision level: 10 mg/dL
Toxic: >20 mg/dL
Toxic: >20 mg/dL
Performing Laboratory
Warde Medical Laboratory
New York DOH Approval Status
No