

They searched for all previous medical trials that compared pulse oximetry with blood tests in patients or healthy volunteers, including adults and children, and found 19 such studies. Papin and her colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Papin added, "The use of pulse oximetry to check for carbon monoxide poisoning in research and in clinical practice has given mixed results." It is used to monitor patients with lung conditions such as asthma or chest infections.Ī lower level of oxygen saturation might also indicate that a patient has been exposed to carbon dioxide, which is displacing the oxygen in their blood. Pulse oximetry is a quick and easy test where a monitor, usually placed on the fingertip, can measure a patient's pulse and gauge the proportion of their blood that is loaded with oxygen (called oxygen saturation). A blood test is reliable, but not practical." She said, "If we suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, we want to be able to treat patients quickly with oxygen in the ambulance or in the emergency room, and that means we need a test that can be done immediately onsite. Mathilde Papin from the emergency department at Nantes University Hospital in France. Carbon monoxide attaches to hemoglobin-the molecule that normally transports oxygen around the body and this can result in the body being starved of oxygen.Ĭarbon monoxide poisoning can be detected with a blood test that measures the proportion of hemoglobin that is bound to carbon monoxide.

When people are exposed to carbon monoxide, it enters their bloodstream via the lungs. Researchers say more work is now needed to find a quick and effective method for diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning.Ĭarbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced when fuels burn in a poorly ventilated space, for example in a faulty or poorly maintained boiler or gas cooker. However carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to common infections such as flu.

It can be successfully treated with oxygen. Using barbeques or camping stoves inside, and turning on vehicle or lawn mower engines in your garage, can also cause a build-up of carbon monoxide.Carbon monoxide is one of the most common causes of poisoning death in the world. Causes of carbon monoxide poisoningĬommon household appliances used for heating and cooking can produce carbon monoxide if they are not installed properly, are faulty, or are poorly maintained.Īppliances that can cause carbon monoxide include: They may get worse when you spend time in an affected room or building and get better when you leave or go outside. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: Check if you have carbon monoxide poisoningĬarbon monoxide gas is colourless and does not smell, so you cannot tell if it is around you. Carbon monoxide can be made by fires and appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can make you seriously ill if you breathe it in.
