SpCO measurement indicates exposure to which toxin?

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Multiple Choice

SpCO measurement indicates exposure to which toxin?

Explanation:
SpCO measures the fraction of hemoglobin bound to carbon monoxide. A pulse CO-oximeter distinguishes carboxyhemoglobin from oxyhemoglobin and other forms, so the SpCO reading directly reflects carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin with a much higher affinity than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin and impairing oxygen delivery to tissues, which is why elevated SpCO is a sign of CO poisoning. It is not a measure of oxygen saturation overall (that would be SpO2), nor of the total amount of hemoglobin, nor of platelet count.

SpCO measures the fraction of hemoglobin bound to carbon monoxide. A pulse CO-oximeter distinguishes carboxyhemoglobin from oxyhemoglobin and other forms, so the SpCO reading directly reflects carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin with a much higher affinity than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin and impairing oxygen delivery to tissues, which is why elevated SpCO is a sign of CO poisoning. It is not a measure of oxygen saturation overall (that would be SpO2), nor of the total amount of hemoglobin, nor of platelet count.

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