Test Overview
Clinical Utility
Evaluation of the severity of a cyanide acute intoxication. Extra-professional exposures: Food, absorption of hypotensive drugs, cigarettes. Professional exposure: Fumes of hydrogen cyanide.
Method
Gas Chromatography (GC)
Result Included
Cyanide
Specimen
Specimen Type
Whole blood (EDTA)Containers
Collection Containers
Lavender Top (EDTA)
Volume
Sample Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Collection & Handling
Collection Instructions
Sampling must be done soon after exposure because the blood half-life of cyanide is short.
Handling Information
Store and send cold.
Stability
| Refrigerated | Frozen |
|---|---|
| 30 days (preferred) | 2 years |
Rejection Criteria
| Criteria | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sample | Clotted |
Performance & Interpretation
Turnaround Time
25 days
Results
Name
Units
Reference Range
Conversion
-
Cyanideµmol/LNormal concentration non smokers: < 5.0
Normal concentration smokers: < 20
Toxic: > 19.25mg/L x 38.4
Comment
Reported detection limit: 0.4
Nitroprusside is metabolized in cyanide, the impact of therapeutic drugs containing nitroprusside should be considered when testing for occupational exposure.
Sample Report
Referral Location
Canada
Interface & Setup
HL7 Interface Codes
| Order Code | Result Name | Result Codes | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| CYAN | Cyanide - Blood | 20958 | umol/L |
Test Version
Last Updated
2023-12-12