Test Details
Methodology
Co-oximetry
Result Turnaround Time
2 - 5 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Test Includes
Carboxyhemoglobin, blood
Use
Determine the extent of carbon monoxide poisoning, toxicity; check on the effect of smoking on the patient; work up headache, irritability, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, dyspnea, collapse, coma, convulsions; work up persons exposed to fires and smoke inhalation
Limitations
Carbon monoxide levels are of limited value in testing for smoking, since it is cleared rapidly. The half-life of carboxyhemoglobin in individuals with normal cardiopulmonary function is one to two hours. Urinary cotinine, if available, is preferable as a test for tobacco use. Arterial blood gases may be of limited value in treatment decisions for carbon monoxide poisoning.2
Footnotes
References
Custom Additional Information
Carboxyhemoglobin is useful in judging the extent of carbon monoxide toxicity and in considering the effect of smoking on the patient. A direct correlation has been claimed between CO level and symptoms of atherosclerotic diseases, intermittent claudication, angina, and myocardial infarction. Exposure may occur not only from smoking but also from garage exposure, and from various motors. This test may be included when blood gases are ordered, when there is sufficient sample, and when such instrumentation is available.
A danger of missed diagnosis of CO intoxication is continued exposure of the patient and others to a toxic environment.3 The cherry red color of CO poisoning is not consistently seen.4 CO intoxication may contribute to the risk of myocardial infarction.4,5
A strong correlation is present between carboxyhemoglobin levels and psychometric testing abnormalities.2 Psychometric testing measures actual neurologic disability and may therefore better define carboxyhemoglobin poisoning severity than blood CO level.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Whole blood
Volume
7 mL
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube or green-top (heparin) tube; submit original full, unopened tube.
Collection Instructions
Sampling time is end of shift for industrial exposure monitoring. Analytes with timing “end of shift” (meaning the last two hours of exposure) are eliminated rapidly with a half-life less than five hours. Such compounds do not accumulate in the body and, therefore, their timing is critical only in relation to the exposure period.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Refrigerated | 28 days |
Reference Range
• Environmental exposure: Nonsmoker: <2.0%, smoker: <9.0%
• Occupational exposure: BEI®: 3.5%1
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate immediately after collection. Do not remove cap.
Patient Preparation
A morning specimen is not as good as one that is drawn in the late afternoon or evening, especially if the patient is an outpatient who may have occupational exposure (ie, policemen, firemen on day shifts, mechanics). CO tends to be cleared from the blood in hours. Treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning involves removal of the individual from the contaminated area and the administration of oxygen. The half-life of carboxyhemoglobin is five to six hours when the patient breathes room air; it is reduced to 1 to 11/2 hours when the patient breathes 100% oxygen. In severe cases, hyperbaric oxygen treatment at two to three atmospheres is recommended, if available. In the latter instance, the carboxyhemoglobin half-life is reduced to approximately 25 minutes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may reduce the incidence of neurological manifestations after exposure. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been recommended when the carboxyhemoglobin concentration exceeds 25%. Some have cautioned against basing decisions to institute hyperbaric oxygenation solely on the carboxyhemoglobin concentration owing to the inconsistent correlation between such a measurement and clinical severity.
Causes for Rejection
Clotted specimen
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 007187 | Carbon Monoxide, Blood | 20563-3 | 007189 | Carbon Monoxide, Blood | % | 20563-3 |
| Order Code | 007187 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Carbon Monoxide, Blood | |||||
| Order Loinc | 20563-3 | |||||
| Result Code | 007189 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Carbon Monoxide, Blood | |||||
| UofM | % | |||||
| Result LOINC | 20563-3 |