What COHb level is indicative of someone suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning?

A carbon monoxide (CO) level greater than 20% in hemoglobin indicates a significant level of carbon monoxide poisoning. This high percentage means that a substantial amount of hemoglobin is bound to carbon monoxide instead of oxygen, which critically impairs the body’s ability to transport oxygen to tissues and organs.

Patients with COHb levels above 20% often exhibit severe symptoms, such as confusion, loss of consciousness, or even life-threatening conditions. Levels in this range can lead to increased risk of neurologic effects and complications, necessitating urgent medical intervention. Recognizing these levels is crucial for healthcare providers to quickly diagnose and treat carbon monoxide poisoning effectively.

In contrast, lower COHb levels (0-1% and 1-10%) are typically seen in non-smokers and do not indicate poisoning, while levels between 10-20% may raise concern but are generally associated with milder symptoms. Thus, understanding the thresholds for CO levels in the blood is critical for assessing the severity of carbon monoxide exposure and determining the appropriate course of treatment.