Carbon Monoxide

Test information: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the most common form of unintentional poisoning. CO induces toxic effects by tightly binding to haemoglobin to form carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) and reducing the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cells. It also interferes with cellular respiration by binding to mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase. CO poisoning may be misdiagnosed as an acute self-limited illness because its early symptoms are nonspecific (headache, dizziness, weakness, and confusion). The diagnosis is confirmed by detecting increased COHb % saturation in either venous or arterial blood.

Specimen Type(s)

• Blood;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• Green Top BD;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• Light Green Top Microtainer BD;

Analytes

• N/A;

Part of a test profile?

N/A

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

4ml

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

N/A

Maximum add on time

24 hours

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

Smokers upto 6%

UKAS number

8869

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

Blood gas measurements include COHb

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