Errors in derivations of the Coburn-Forster-Kane equation for predicting carboxyhemoglobin

An error identified in a 1993 textbook of military medicine led to an investigation of derivations of the Coburn-Forster-Kane equation (CFKE) for predicting carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels. Reviews of the scientific literature, military documents, and personal interviews revealed that errors were made in earlier derivations of the CFKE. One flawed derivation was used by the U.S. Army until 1985, and another is still used by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The original and later CFKE derivations are reviewed and errors in the equations are identified. The effect of the errors is discussed.