| Patient | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| < 10% | Nonsmokers: Up to 3% Smokers: Up to 10%-15% |
Carboxyhemoglobin is a measure of the amount of carbon monoxide bound to hemoglobin in the RBC. The body uses hemoglobin in RBCs to carry oxygen to the tissues. Carbon monoxide binds to the oxygen binding sites in hemoglobin leaving no room for oxygen. Carbon monoxide poisoning is lethal and is often a problem with burn patients. Because Anna was only exposed to the fire for a short time, she did not inhale a sufficient amount of smoke to cause respiratory problems.