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Carbon monoxide concentration in donated blood: relation to cigarette smoking and other sources

Anna-Maja Aberg1, Birgitta Nilsson Sojka, Ola Winsö

  • 1Umeå University Hospital, Sweden. annamaja.aberg@anestesi.umu.se

Transfusion
|November 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Elevated carbon monoxide (CO) levels were found in blood donors, primarily linked to cigarette smoking. The time between smoking and donation significantly impacts CO concentrations in blood donations.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Toxicology
  • Blood Banking

Background:

  • Carbon monoxide (CO) is an endogenous substance, but elevated levels can result from external exposures like cigarette smoke.
  • Understanding CO levels in blood donors is crucial for blood safety and public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate blood carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations in blood donors.
  • To evaluate the impact of cigarette smoking on CO levels and elimination time.

Main Methods:

  • Collected blood samples from 410 donors, along with demographic and behavioral data.
  • Measured CO concentrations using gas chromatography.
  • Assessed CO elimination time in six volunteer smokers post-cigarette.

Main Results:

  • The mean CO concentration in donors was 84.5 micromol/L; 6% exceeded 130 micromol/L.
  • Cigarette smoking was identified as the primary source of high CO concentrations.
  • CO elimination half-lives in smokers ranged from 4.7 to 8.4 hours.

Conclusions:

  • Blood bank red blood cell units may contain CO levels exceeding physiological norms.
  • The interval between smoking and blood donation is a key factor influencing elevated CO levels.
Abstract

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