Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Carbon Monoxyhaemoglobin
Carbon Monoxyhaemoglobin
EDTA
| Test | Carbon Monoxyhaemoglobin |
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | CO, COHb, Carbon Monoxide |
| Profile | |
| Tube type | EDTA |
| Clinical Indication | Investigation of suspected carbon monxide poisioning |
| Specimen Type | Blood |
| Sample type | EDTA plasma |
| Minimum Volume | 0.5 mL |
| Special Precautions | Sample analysis at the laboratory is only available during nomal working hours (9am-5pm Monday-Friday). |
| Stability | 4 weeks at 2-8°C and 20-25oC (full, sealed tube) |
| Turnaround Time | 24 hours |
| Laboratory | York and Scarborough |
| Reference Interval | Non-smokers: 0.0-1.5%, Smokers: 1.5-5.0% |
| Limitations | Blood Carbon Monoxyhaemoglobin levels are NOT a sensitive indicator of carbon monoxide exposure, as the high concentrations of oxygen in the atmosphere can cause blood levels to decrease once a patient is removed from the immediate source of cabon monoxide. The use of a home-carbon monoxide meter is recommended as an alternative means of assessing carbon monoxide exposure. Patients with suspected severe toxicity or a clear history of exposure should be referred to the Emergency Department for assessment, as point of care analysis is available to inpatients 24h a day. |
| Notes |
