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Cyanide, Blood

Test ID: CYAN

Test

Method

Gas Chromatography

Report Includes

Cyanide

Specimens

Whole blood (EDTA)

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.

Test Location

Laboratoire de toxicologie, 945 ave Wolfe, Quebec, QC G1V 5B3

Test Version

12-Dec-2023

Specimen

Specimens

Whole blood (EDTA)

Collection Containers

Lavender Top (EDTA)

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 30 days (preferred)
Frozen 2 years

Rejection Criteria

Sample Clotted

Test Version

12-Dec-2023

Performance / Interpretation

Method

Gas Chromatography

Turnaround Time

25 days

Results

Name Units Reference Range Conversion Factor
Cyanide µmol/L
  • Normal concentration non smokers: < 5.0
  • Normal concentration smokers: < 20
  • Toxic: > 19.25
mg/L x 38.4
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.

Test Location

Laboratoire de toxicologie, 945 ave Wolfe, Quebec, QC G1V 5B3

Test Version

12-Dec-2023

Interface / Setup

HL7 Interface Codes

Order Code Result Codes Units
CYAN 20958Cyanide - Blood umol/L

Test Version

12-Dec-2023