Diagnostic tests
Cooximetry
What is cooximetry?
Cooximetry test is a simple, easy way to assess the amount of carbon monoxide (CO) in the air exhaled by an individual. This amount is related to smoking: there is a direct relationship between the number of cigarettes smoked and levels of CO in exhaled air.
What is carbon monoxide (CO)?
CO is produced by the combustion of tobacco. It combines with hemoglobin in red blood cells by reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood cells.. Therefore, elevated levels of CO can produce pulmonary, cardiovascular and neurological diseases.
What does the cooximetry?
CO levels allow us to more accurately diagnose:
- the extent of smoking addiction.
- the risk of future complications.
Therefore, this parameter can be used as a risk factor of a smoker.
How can cooximetry help smokers?
It is an objective measurement of target organ lesion. It can be used as a motivation effect in people wanting to quit smoking.
How cooximetry is done?
The smoker will perform a deep breath, keep an apnea for a few seconds and then will proceed to a slow and long and full expiration. The cooximeter will indicate the amount of CO, measures as part per million (PPM):
- Absence of toxicity: 0 to 5 ppm
- Mild intoxication: 6-10 ppm
- Moderate intoxication 11-30 ppm
- Severe poisoning> 30 ppm