3
Overview
The CO Check Pro is handheld portable battery-operated device used for
measuring the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) in the breath and
calculating the percentage of carboxyhemoglobin (%COHb) in the blood.
The CO Check Pro is designed to be used primarily as a screening tool for
smoking cessation but it can also be used in
physicians’ offices,
emergency departments and fire-fighting services. In smoking cessation
clinics, it is used for checking the
client’s progress and compliance.
General practitioners, emergency room personnel and fire-fighting services
can use the device to quickly assess the level of suspected CO poisoning.
The CO Check Pro is easy to use, very accurate and requires a single
breath into the device to display CO results in parts per million (PPM) and
the percentage of carboxyhemoglobin (%COHb).
The CO Check Pro is based on an electrochemical fuel cell sensor, which
works through the reaction of carbon monoxide (CO) with an electrolyte at
one electrode, and oxygen (from ambient air) at the other. This reaction
generates an electrical current proportional to CO concentration. Output
from the sensor is monitored by a micro-processor, which detects peak
expired concentrations of alveolar gas. This is then converted to percent
carboxyhemoglobin (%COHb) using the mathematical relationships
described by Jarvis et al
1
, for concentrations below 90 ppm, and by
Stewart et al
2
for higher levels. Raised levels of carboxyhemoglobin are
most commonly caused by accidental smoke inhalation/CO poisoning or
cigarette smoking. The CO Check Pro includes a countdown timer as an
aid to time the breath hold period prior to exhalation.
References
1,2
1. Jarvis MJ, Belcher M, Vesey C, Hutchison DCS
Low cost carbon monoxide monitors in smoking assessment
Thorax 1986; 41: 886-887
2. Stewart RD, Stewart RS, Stamm W, Seleen RP
Rapid estimation of carboxyhemoglobin levels in fire fighters
JAMA 1976; 235, 390-392
The CO Check Pro can also measure ambient CO when turned on to
ensure that the environment is free from CO contamination (if enabled).
