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Carboxyhemoglobin Blood Test


Why is this procedure done?


Carboxyhemoglobin measures the amount of hemoglobin that is bound to carbon monoxide. Hemoglobin is part of the red blood cell. Normally, it carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body. If the hemoglobin in the blood binds to other substances, it cannot carry oxygen. ‚  
You may breathe in carbon monoxide without knowing it. The hemoglobin in your blood will bind to carbon monoxide instead of oxygen. You may have serious health problems if too much of your hemoglobin is bound to carbon monoxide. ‚  
The doctor may order a carboxyhemoglobin level to: ‚  
  • Check for carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Look for the effects of smoking
  • Go along with other tests


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What will the results be?


  • The doctor will look at the results of your test.
  • If the results are normal, it means your body is likely working in a normal way.
  • If the results are not normal, you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide. Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about what is wrong.
  • The doctor will talk with you about treatment.

What happens before the procedure?


  • There are no special things to do before the test.
  • Talk to your doctor about:
    • All the drugs you are taking
    • If you have any bleeding problems

What happens during the procedure?


It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see how much carboxyhemoglobin is in it. ‚  

What happens after the procedure?


  • You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
  • Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
  • Ask your doctor when you will get the results.

What care is needed at home?


You may do your everyday activities after the test. ‚  

What follow-up care is needed?


  • This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem. Together you can make a plan for more care.
  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.

What problems could happen?


  • Pain
  • Bruising
  • Bleeding
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Infection

Where can I learn more?


American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚  
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/blood-gases/tab/faq#4 ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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