What Researchers Did
Researchers reported a case where a non-invasive device used to measure carbon monoxide in the blood gave inaccurate readings for a patient with digital clubbing.
What They Found
An 18-year-old man with cystic fibrosis and digital clubbing had an initial blood carboxyhemoglobin level of 33% after carbon monoxide exposure. After four hours of 100% oxygen, his actual blood carboxyhemoglobin dropped to 2.3%, then 0.9% thirty minutes later. However, three different non-invasive pulse CO-oximeters consistently read between 9% and 11% during this time, showing a significant overestimation.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. However, no direct Canadian connection or authors were identified.
Study Limitations
As a single case report, the findings may not apply to all patients or situations.