Accuracy and Usefulness of the AVOXimeter 4000 as Routine Analysis of Carboxyhemoglobin

• NCJ Number: 246162
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2013 Pages: 1047-1049
• Author(s): Junko Fujihara Ph.D.; Hiroshi Kinoshita Ph.D.; Naoko Tanaka B.S.; Toshihiro Yasuda Ph.D.; Haruo Takeshita Ph.D.
• Date Published: July 2013
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The measurement of blood carboxyhemoglobin CO-Hb is important to determine the cause of death.

Abstract

The measurement of blood carboxyhemoglobin CO-Hb is important to determine the cause of death. The AVOXimeter 4000 AVOX, a portable CO-oximeter, has the advantages of a low purchase price and operating cost, ease of operation, and rapid results. Little information is available on the usefulness of AVOX in the forensic sample, and the previous study investigated only six samples. Therefore, in this study, we confirmed the usefulness of the AVOX through a comparison of its results with data previously obtained using the double wavelength spectrophotometric method in autopsies. Regression analysis was performed between CO-Hb levels measured by the AVOX and those measured by the conventional double wavelength spectrophotometric method in postmortem blood samples: a significant correlation was observed. This study suggests the usefulness of the AVOX to analyze postmortem blood, and the AVOX is suitable for routine forensic analysis and can be applied at the crime scene. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.