New Approach for the Carbon Monoxide CO Exposure Diagnosis: Measurement of Total CO in Human Blood Versus Carboxyhemoglobin HbCO

• NCJ Number: 246161
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2013 Pages: 1041-1046
• Author(s): Vincent Varlet Ph.D.; Emma L. De Croutte; Marc Augsburger Ph.D.; Patrice Mangin Ph.D.
• Date Published: July 2013
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The aim of the study is to present the application of a headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry HS-GC-MS method for the determination of the carbon monoxide CO blood concentration and to compare it with carboxyhemoglobin HbCO saturation.

Abstract

The aim of the study is to present the application of a headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry HS-GC-MS method for the determination of the carbon monoxide CO blood concentration and to compare it with carboxyhemoglobin HbCO saturation. In postmortem cases, the HbCO measured by spectrophotometry frequently leads to inaccurate results due to inadequate samples or analyses. The true role of CO intoxication in the death of a person could be misclassified. The estimation of HbCO from HS-GC-MS CO measurements provides helpful information by determining the total CO levels CO linked to hemoglobin HbCO and CO dissociated from hemoglobin. The CO concentrations were converted in HbCO saturation levels to define cutoff blood CO values. CO limits were defined as less than 1 ìmol/mL for living persons, less than 1.5 ìmol/mL for dead persons without CO exposure, and greater than 3 ìmol/mL for dead persons with clear CO poisoning. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.