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Carbon Monoxide (CO) A carbon monoxide blood test is used to
detect poisoning from breathing carbon monoxide (CO), a
colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. The test measures the amount
of hemoglobin that has bonded with carbon monoxide. This amount
is also called the carboxyhemoglobin level. See a picture of
what happens during carbon monoxide poisoning. When a person
inhales carbon monoxide, it combines with the red blood cells
that normally carry oxygen to the body's tissues and replaces
the oxygen that is normally carried in the blood. As a result,
less oxygen is carried to the brain and other body tissues.
Carbon monoxide can cause severe poisoning and death. Carbon
monoxide is made during burning when there is not enough oxygen
present for complete combustion. The main sources of carbon
monoxide are engine fumes (such as