Toxicology Laboratory, Harris County Medical Examiner Office, Houston, Texas

A relatively simple procedure for the determination of carboxyhemoglobin percent saturation in postmortem samples is described. The procedure involves a quick and accurate method for calibration of the gas chromatograph to carbon monoxide. The mixed gases are extracted from blood prior to introduction into the gas chromatograph. After measuring the hemoglobin pigments, the carbon monoxide capacity may be calculated from the area percent readings of an integrator.