We often receive samples from GP's taken because the patient believes that
they have a faulty flue, a common problem in rural Northumberland. The
problem here is the time it takes for the patient to see the GP. The
elimination half life for HbCO is about 250 minutes, breathing room air. So
although the patient describes plausible symptoms the HbCO is often less
than 5%.
We have never encountered stability problems with delayed transit of the
specimen, taken from patients. PM samples are a different storey. There is
often significant anaerobic oxidation after death which may give rise to
slight elevations in cadaveric blood samples.
Mike Guillain
Principal Biochemist
Wansbeck General Hospital
+44(0)1670529713 (voice)
+44(0)8701358380 (fax)
[log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 20 June 2002 10:39
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: COHb
Is there a time limit within which a sample taken for COHb should be
analysed
eg if a GP suspects CO poisoning and the sample takes a few hours to get to
the lab in the van!?
Thanks
Rob L
Dr Robert Lord
Department of Clinical Biochemistry
Rotherham District General Hospital
Moorgate Road
Oakwood
Rotherham
S60 2UD
Tel 01709 820000
E mail [log in to unmask]
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