Carboxyhaemoglobin, blood
Clinical Background:
Measurement of carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) is used to assess carbon monoxide toxicity in cases of suspected exposure. Carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) is haemoglobin covalently bound to carbon monoxide. Hae...
Measurement of carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) is used to assess carbon monoxide toxicity in cases of suspected exposure. Carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) is haemoglobin covalently bound to carbon monoxide. Haemoglobin has an affinity for carbon monoxide >200 times that for oxygen. High levels of COHb result in hypoxia, cyanosis possibly death due to it being unable to transport oxygen. The most common cause of carbon monoxide toxicity is exposure to vehicle exhaust fumes. Significant levels of COHb can also be observed in heavy cigarette smokers.
Test Details
-
Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
-
Specimen Container Adult:
Lithium heparin whole blood or balanced heparin syringe
Lithium heparin whole blood or balanced heparin syringe
-
Specimen Container Paediatric:
Lithium heparin whole blood or balanced heparin syringe
Lithium heparin whole blood or balanced heparin syringe
-
Minimum Volume Adult:
0.5 mL blood
0.5 mL blood
-
Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
0.5 mL blood
-
Special Requirement:
Must be analysed within 30 minutes of collection
Must be analysed within 30 minutes of collection
-
Transport Requirements:
Ambient
Ambient
-
Interpretation:
Raised levels may indicate exposure to carbon monoxide.
Raised levels may indicate exposure to carbon monoxide.
-
Reference Ranges:
Non-smokers: less than 2 %
Heavy smokers: less than 8 %
Non-smokers: less than 2 %
Heavy smokers: less than 8 %
-
Routine Contact Name:
Duty biochemist
-
Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719
-
Routine Email: