What to Know About Carboxyhemoglobin Tests
A carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) test measures the amount of carbon monoxide (CO) in your blood. CO is a poisonous gas that comes from burning fuels, such as those in cars, stoves, and fireplaces.
CO can leak into your home or workplace from faulty or unvented appliances. It can also enter your body if you smoke cigarettes. When you breathe in CO, it binds to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in your red blood cells. This prevents hemoglobin from carrying oxygen, leading to a condition called carbon monoxide poisoning.
Why would I need a carboxyhemoglobin test?
Your doctor may order a COHb test if you have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, including:
* Headache
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Dizziness
* Confusion
* Loss of consciousness
A COHb test may also be ordered if you are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as if you work in a job that exposes you to CO or if you live in a home that has been damaged by a fire.
How is a carboxyhemoglobin test done?
A COHb test is a simple blood test. A healthcare professional will take a sample of your blood from a vein in your arm and send it to a laboratory for analysis.
What do the results of a carboxyhemoglobin test mean?
The results of a COHb test are reported as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the more CO is in your blood.
A normal COHb level is less than 1%. Levels between 1% and 10% indicate mild carbon monoxide poisoning. Levels between 10% and 20% indicate moderate carbon monoxide poisoning. Levels above 20% indicate severe carbon monoxide poisoning.
What if I have a high carboxyhemoglobin level?
If your COHb level is high, your doctor may recommend treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning. Treatment may include breathing oxygen through a mask, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or blood transfusions.
How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
There are several things you can do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, including:
* Never use a generator, grill, or other fuel-burning device indoors.
* Make sure your home is properly ventilated.
* Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and make sure it is working properly.
* If you suspect that you or someone you know has carbon monoxide poisoning, get to fresh air immediately and call 911.