2025/02/05 by Phil Moss, Natasha Roya Matthews, Rosalie McDonald +1 · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Heme Oxygenase-1 and Carbon Monoxide #Neonatal Health and Biochemistry #Burn Injury Management and Outcomes
paper · pdf · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0300989
openalex publication_date 2025/02/05 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04
OBJECTIVE: To undertake a scoping review to identify methods and diagnostic levels used in determining unintentional, non-fire related carbon monoxide exposure. DESIGN: Online databases and grey literature were searched from 1946 to 2023 identifying 80 papers where carbon monoxide levels were reported. RESULTS: 80 papers were included; 71 research studies and 9 clinical guidelines. Four methods were described: blood carboxyhaemoglobin (arterial or venous blood analysis), carbon monoxide oximetry (SpO2), expired carbon monoxide, and ambient carbon monoxide sampling. Blood analysis methods predominated (60.0% of the papers). Multiple methods of measurement were used in 26 (32.5%) of the papers. Diagnostic levels for carboxyhaemoglobin were described in 54 (67.5%) papers, ranging between 2% and 15%. 26 (32.5%) papers reported diagnostic levels that were adjusted for the smoking status of the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Four methods were found for use in different settings. Variability in diagnostic thresholds impairs diagnostic accuracy. Agreement on standardised diagnostic levels is required to enable consistent diagnosis of unintentional, non-fire related carbon monoxide exposure.