Dear Mike,
Like you (& many others) we also get the odd query about GPs' patients'
exhaust fumes as a CO risk factor.
Occasionally it is appreciated if we suggest additional measures eg:-
1) they can seek advice from the gas people etc
2) they can get CO testing devices, both cheap ones & more sophisticated,
from their local supermarket &/or DIY store.
Best wishes,
Les
> From: "Guillain Mike (RTF) NHCT"
> <[log in to unmask]>
> Reply-To: "Guillain Mike (RTF) NHCT"
> <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 11:00:46 +0100
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: COHb
>
> 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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