Carbon Monoxide Headquarters




Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:



"Special (unique) Clues of CO Poisoning in Laboratory Records:

  • Elevated Hb conc., Hct (%), and/or RBC count during time of CO exposure (ie. Polycythemia). Seen in chronic CO poisoning.

  • Elevated blood COHb (above 1.4% in non-smoker.) Seen in chronic or acute CO poisoning.

  • Depressed Hb-oxygen saturation (below 95%). Seen in chronic or acute CO poisoning.

  • Elevated blood Glucose & Lactate. Seen in acute CO poisoning.

  • Serum enzymes - Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH). Seen in acute CO poisoning.

  • Abnormal ECG - ST segment, T-wave changes. Seen in acute CO poisoning.

  • Acidic blood pH (below 7.37). Seen mainly in acute CO poisoning.

  • Myoglobin in the urine, ie. Myoglobinuria. Seen in severe acute CO poisoning.




    ...... last changed 10/05/00


    Back to CO Symposium Index