Carboxyhaemoglobin

Description: 
Carboxyhaemoglobin is a stable complex of carbon monoxide and haemoglobin that forms in red blood cells when CO is inhaled or produced by normal metabolism.
Measurement is performed by blood gas analyser. Smokers have higher levels of caboxyhaemoglobin and therefore we provide reference ranges for smokers and non-smokers.

This test is not currently included in the laboratory's UKAS scope of accreditation to ISO15189:2012.
Clinical details: 
The presence of carboxyhaemoglobin reduces the volume of oxygen that can be transported by the patients red cells.
Carboxyhaemoglobin levels are useful in cases of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning and differential diagnosis of increased production of red blood cells (polycythaemia).
Synonyms or keywords: 
COHb
Units: 
% of total haemoglobin.
Department: 
Blood Sciences Department
Location: 
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Whole blood collected into EDTA anticoagulant
Turnaround time: 
Within 24 hours
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Store at room temperature and deliver to the laboratory for testing within 24h post collection
Contacts:
Blood Sciences Department-Guy's And St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Contact: 020 7188 9247

Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Contact: 020 7188 4781
Haematology Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Routine hours: bleep 1358
Paediatrics Routine hours: bleep 1621

Out of hours, weekend and bank holidays: 17:00-9:00 bleep 0294
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Haematology Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital

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Last updated: 20/02/2023