Evaluation of the carboxyhemoglobin levels with co-oximeter blood GAS equipment in postmortem blood samples of rabbits

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced in inefficient combustion of carbon-based fuels and it is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating gas. CO can cause acute and chronic poisoning. In our country, it is the second of cause of death (27%) due to poisoning after insecticide exposure. CO has 210 times more affinity to hemoglobin rather than oxygen. CO can bind hem group of hemoglobin competitively and reversibly. As a result of this process, carboxyhemoglobin is performed and it prevents the transport of oxygen to the tissues and by causing relative anemia it gives rise to tissue hypoxia and asphyxia. Cardiovascular system and central nervous system are the most affected systems. Mortality is mostly associated with involvement of these two systems. CO poisoning is diagnosed with blood COHb measurement. Severe muscle weakness is seen when blood carboxyhemoglobin level is 50%, with a rise in level to %60-80 death is generally seen. The most commonly used method for COHb measurement is spectrophotometric (CO-oximetry) method. Generally, reaching to a dead body take several days due to this difficulty, in our study we investigated blood COHb level change associated with decay and hanging off and we aimed to find if there is any change in postmortem carboxyhemoglobin levels according to time and storage conditions. In the experimental study, New Zealand rabbits were killed with CO inhalation and two blood samples taken from them were stored at +4°C and -20°C. After 48 hours of decay another blood sample were taken. After 15 days, COHb levels did not change significantly but there were significant reduction in samples stored in +4°C after 6 months. As a result, in early and late period after death due to CO poisoning all liquid materials must be taken to appropriate tubes fully and top of tubes must be closed carefully, also material taking conditions and legal information's should be given completely. Transportation and storage conditions of materials are also critical not cause change in blood COHb levels.