Etymed
carboxyhemoglobinemia
Definition
A blood condition characterized by the presence of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning
Clinical context
A 32-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after being found unconscious in his garage with a running car engine. He has cherry-red skin coloration and is confused. Arterial blood gas shows a very high oxygen saturation despite low oxygen levels. His carboxyhemoglobin level is significantly elevated on blood testing.
Mnemonic
CO poisoning = 'C' for carboxyhemoglobin, 'O' for oxygen, and 'Red' skin coloration