CareFusion MicroCO, Operating Manual

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Cigarette Consumption and CO Measurements
The MicroCO meter provides a simple screening test for cigarette
consumption for use in anti-smoking clinics and all smoking cessation
programs.
Measurement of carboxyhemoglobin has been well validated as an
indirect measure of cigarette consumption and is widely used in
smoking cessation programs.
Typical values for carboxyhemoglobin and expired CO in smokers and
poisoning victims, together with the alarm light status, are given
below:
CO(ppm) %COHb Cigarette consumption Indicator
0 – 6 0 – 1 Non smoker Green
7 –10 1.1 – 1.6 Light smoker Amber
11 – 72 1.8 – 12 Heavy smoker Red
>72 >12 Suspected poisoning Red + alarm
Please note that some urban areas may have high environmental
levels of CO. This can cause a rise in exhaled CO of a few ppm above
that which is normally present on the breath. In these cases it is
possible for a non-smoker to appear at the bottom of the ‘light
smoker’ range (7 – 10 ppm).
References
The relationship between alveolar and blood carbon monoxide
concentrations during breath holding
Jones RH, Ellicott MF, Cadigan JB, Gaensler EA
Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine 1958; 51, 553 – 564