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Carboxyhemoglobin

What is it?

Carboxyhemoglobin (car-BOXY-heem-uh-glo-bun) is a laboratory evaluation to see if you have been subjected to carbon dioxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that one cannot see or smell. Hemoglobin is one of the primary contents of red blood cells (RBC) that carries oxygen throughout your entire body. Carbon monoxide replaces the oxygen on your RBCs. Carboxyhemoglobin cannot carry oxygen. Following are some sources of carbon dioxide:

• A gas furnace or stove that is not working well.
• Running the motor of your vehicle in a garage.
• Burning charcoal within.
• Inhaling smoke in the fire.
• Smoking cigarette.

Why do I want it?

Your physician may want you to have this evaluation if you are exposed to CO.. Whether such symptoms have started for no reason you understand of, you may need this evaluation:

• Headache.
• Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) or vomiting (sickness ).
• Irritability (getting mad readily ).
• Dizziness.

Just how do I prepare yourself for the evaluation?

Your physician will tell you when to have your blood test done. The blood test should be carried out as soon as possible after contact with CO.. It could possibly be done before or after ingestion.

How is the specimen collected?

A caregiver will put a wide rubber band around your arm and tighten it. Your skin will be washed with alcohol. A small needle attached to a special test tube will be placed into a vein in your hand or arm. The tube has suction to pull the blood into it. When the tube is full, the rubber strap, needle and tube are removed. The caregiver will press a piece of cotton where the needle has been removed. You may be asked to hold the cotton on the website for a couple moments to help stop the bleeding. Tape may then be put over the cotton on your arm.

What do I do after the exam?

You may remove the tape and cotton in about 20 to 30 minutes. Call your caregiver to get the results of your evaluation. Your physician will explain what your test results mean for you. Follow the instructions of your caregiver.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your attention. To help with this plan, you must learn about your lab tests. You can then go over the outcome. Use them to decide what care can be used to take care of you. You also have the right to refuse treatment.

Further advice

Always ask with your healthcare provider to be sure the information applies to your personal circumstances.