Methemoglobin
Category:
Methemoglobin
Description
Red Blood Cells (RBC) contain a protein called hemoglobin. The function of hemoglobin is very important, since this protein adds oxigen when the RBC goes through the lumbs and after that it carries this oxigen to the entire body so body cells can work. Afterwards it takes the CO2 that is a waste of the normal cellular function back to the lumps where it is expulsed by the respiration.
Methemoglobin is a type of hemoglobin that is unable to transport oxygen to tissues in blood. When the production of this protein is big enough leads to important health problems so this condition is called methemoglobinemia.
Its concentration is measured by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm.
Purpose of the test
This test is used to evaluate and manage a condition called methemoglobinemia.
The following are possible reasons why this test may be done:
• Acquired methemoglobinemia
• Congenital methemoglobinemia
Reference range values
Normal <2%
Abnormal findings
High concentration of Methemoglobin in blood is caused by both acquired or congenital methemoglobinemia