Carbon Monoxide, Whole Blood
Also known as: 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
Special Instructions
This test may be included when blood gases are ordered, when there is sufficient sample and when such instrumentation is available. A morning specimen is not as good as one drawn in the late afternoon or evening, especially for outpatients with occupational exposure.
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.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Co-oximetry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 20563-3
- 20563-3
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
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' are eliminated rapidly with a half-life less than five hours.
Patient Preparation
A morning specimen is not as good as one drawn in the late afternoon or evening, especially if the patient may have occupational exposure.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate immediately after collection. Do not remove cap.
Causes for Rejection
Clotted specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 28 days |