[Carboxyhaemoglobin concentrations in the recipients of banked blood (author's transl)]

The Carboxyhaemoglobin (HbCO) concentrations in banked blood may exceed 10% if the donor had previously been exposed to CO. This applies particularly to heavy smokers. The effects on the recipients of such blood were determined by means of a new method for estimating CO which involves equilibration of the alveolar gases with the partial pressure of CO in the pulmonary capillary blood during closed-circuit anaesthesia. From the values the HbCO levels in the blood of the recipient and donor can be calculated, although the latter values are only approximate. An analysis of the findings in 57 single transfusions showed that the differences in HbCO concentrations between donor and recipient varied between -0.12% and -1.5%. The length of storage of the banked blood did not affect the results. Blood from heavy smokers always induced a higher rise of the HbCO levels in the recipient's blood than did blood from non-smokers. HbCO concentrations as high as 13.5% were calculated to be present in the blood of some donors. The method, results and conclusions to be drawn from the findings are reviewed.