Hemoglobin derivatives

Alternative names:

carbon monoxide poisoning; carboxyhemoglobin; methemoglobin; sulfhemoglobin

Normal values:

The following values represent the percentage of hemoglobin derivatives based on total hemoglobin:

• carboxyhemoglobin: 3% (but may be as high as 15% in smokers)
• methemoglobin: less than 3%
• sulfhemoglobin: undetectable

What abnormal results mean:

As abnormally high levels of hemoglobin derivatives rise, there are increasingly detrimental effects. Since these forms of hemoglobin do not permit the transfer of oxygen, the effects on the body are related to lack of oxygen to the tissues, which can result in tissue death.

The following values except sulfhemoglobin, represent the percentage of hemoglobin derivatives based on total hemoglobin:
Carboxyhemoglobin:

• 20% symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning begin to appear
• 30% severe carbon monoxide poisoning present
• 50% to 80% results in fatal carbon monoxide poisoning

Methemoglobin:

• 10% to 25% result in cyanosis
• 35% to 40% result in shortness of breath and headache
• over 60% results in lethargy and stupor
• over 70% results in death

Sulfhemoglobin

• values of 10 gm/dl result in cyanosis, but do not produce toxic effects

Note:

• lower levels are hemoglobin derivatives produce the same effects in children.
• gm/dl = grams per deciliter