Journal of Clinical Toxicology
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0495
ISSN: 2161-0495
Osama A Shabka
Egypt
Research Article
Stability of Carboxyhaemoglobin in Blood Samples at Different Periods
and Temperatures: A Forensic and Toxicological Tool for Diagnosis
Author(s): Abdel-Aziz Abou El-Fotouh Ghanem, Rania Hamed Abdel Rahman and Osama A ShabkaAbdel-Aziz Abou El-Fotouh Ghanem, Rania Hamed Abdel Rahman and Osama A Shabka
Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the most toxic agents in clinical and forensic practices. Diagnosis of CO poisoning is a challenging task and needs a high level of suspicion. Carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) level is considered the only established marker for diagnosis. The current work aims to determine the levels of COHb in blood samples collected from CO poisoned patients on admission and to re-estimate those levels after storage of samples for different periods and after incubation at various temperatures. The results showed that the mean concentrations of carboxyhaemoglobin at time of admission=23.05 ± 13.44. Levels demonstrated insignificant change after either refrigerated storage of samples for different periods (one, two and three years) or after their incubation at different temperatures (37°C, 40°C and 50°C). It can be concluded that COHb concentration remains st.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2161-0495.1000144