Methemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin levels in smokers and non smokers

The authors examined the blood of 856 subjects (377 smokers and 479 non smokers) in order to evaluate the levels of Methemoglobin (MetHb) in relationship to tobacco smoke. The Methemoglobin, Carboxyhemoglobin, Percent Oxyhemoglobin and Total Hemoglobin were measured using an automated spectrometer (IL 282 CO - Oximeter). The authors found that the levels of MetHb in the smokers exceed that in the non smokers: in fact the level of MetHb in the smokers (% MetHb = 0.63) was significantly greater than in the non smokers (% MetHb = 0.56), unlike what was reported in literature. The levels of Carboxyhemoglobin in the blood has been shown to be a useful marker of tobacco smoke absorption: a close relationship exists between COHb and cigarette smoking.