Oxygenated Hemoglobin in Plasma (Oxyhemoglobin)
This test measures the amount of oxygen-bound hemoglobin in your blood plasma, which helps assess how well oxygen is being transported throughout your body.
["Helps evaluate oxygen delivery and potential blood oxygenation issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87437-0
- Short code
- OxyHgb Plas-mCnc
- Synonyms
- OxyHgb Plas-mCnc
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 12
- Ref high
- 17.5
- Critical range
- 7 N/A – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85018
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003004
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hgb) is the form of hemoglobin that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues. This test specifically looks at the concentration of this oxygen-bound hemoglobin in your plasma. It’s often used alongside other blood tests to understand how efficiently your blood is delivering oxygen to your organs and tissues.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or signs of poor oxygenation (e.g., blue lips or skin). It can also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions affecting blood flow, lung function, or anemia.
Common Uses and Conditions
This test is typically used in specialized settings, such as monitoring patients with chronic lung diseases, severe anemia, or those undergoing procedures requiring precise oxygen monitoring (e.g., certain surgeries or critical care). It may also be part of research or advanced diagnostic workups.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then separated into plasma (the liquid part) and processed to measure the oxygen-bound hemoglobin concentration. Plasma is preferred over whole blood for this test to avoid interference from red blood cells.
Reference range
Adult males: 13.5-17.5 g/dL; Females: 12.0-16.0 g/dLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated levels of oxyhemoglobin may indicate normal oxygen saturation in well-oxygenated blood, but it can also be relevant in conditions like polycythemia (high red blood cell count) or certain types of anemia where hemoglobin saturation differs. Low levels might suggest issues like severe lung disease or blood flow problems, though this test alone is rarely definitive.
Short name
Oxy-Hgb Plasma
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Result Mean?
Is This Test Painful?
How Often Can I Get This Test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy