WebMD
Font Size

Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb)

Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) is the term used to describe hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that normally carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body) that has bonded with carbon monoxide instead of oxygen.

Carbon monoxide's bond with hemoglobin is much stronger than oxygen's bond with hemoglobin. When hemoglobin binds with carbon monoxide instead of oxygen, the blood can no longer carry enough oxygen.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerR. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology
Last RevisedMarch 18, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 18, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.