A simple field test to detect elevated concentrations of carboxyhemoglobin in autopsy blood

Rapid, semi-quantitative measurement of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) in close temporal proximity to a post-mortem examination can prove to be extremely useful, and provide potentially life-saving information. Other inhabitants of a dwelling with faulty heating or operators of older or poorly maintained motor vehicles with faulty exhaust systems could be quickly informed of potentially dangerous situations. We describe a method for assessing the COHb concentration which will confirm a negative result in 30-40 min and rule out significant levels in less than 2 h, utilizing common reagents and requiring no instrumentation. The method depends on a reaction between formaldehyde and hemoglobin, with associated color change from red to brown.