Carboxyhemoglobin

Category:

Carboxyhemoglobin

Description

Carboxyhemoglobin test checks whether you have been exposed to carbon monoxide (CO).

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous invisible gas.

Red blood cells (RBC) have hemoglobin. This protein has the property of wrapping the oxygen.   Thanks to this, oxygen is transported throughout the entire body.

Carbon monoxide replaces the oxygen in your RBCs, converting hemoglobin into carboxyhemoglobin. Carboxyhemoglobin cannot carry oxygen.

The origin of CO is the incomplete combustion on combustion motors or gas furnaces, fires and tobacco smoke.

Symptoms of CO intoxication are:
• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Irritability.
• Dizziness.
Carboxyhemoglobin concentration is measured by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm.

Purpose of the test

This test measures the concentration of carboxyhemoglobin in blood.

This test is used to diagnose and manage carbon monoxide poisoning due to exposition to incomplete combustion gases (CO).

Reference range values

Reference values for non-smokers   0.005 – 0.015
 
Reference values for smokers:

1-2 packs/day        0.04 – 0.05

>2 packs/day         0.08 –0.09

Toxic levels                 >0.20

Abnormal findings

High level of Carboxyhemoglobin in blood is usual among smokers. Heavy smoking lead to bigger test values. 

Also values above 4% (0.04) are indicative of possible hemolitytic anemia, while values over 20% (0.2) represent intoxication that can lead to revere damage and even to death.