Forensic application of rapid analysis of carboxyhemoglobin in blood using an oxygen electrode.

Blood carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) levels in forensic victims were measured by a new and rapid oxygen-electrode method for successive determinations of HHb, HbO2 and HbCO. It was found that the method is applicable to old denatured blood when combined with the cyanmethemoglobin method. Methemoglobin (Met-Hb) in blood was also estimated by subtracting the sum of HHb, HbO2 and HbCO from total hemoglobin (total Hb.) Blood Met-Hb levels in six victims of city gas poisoning were practically negligible, while those in five victims of fire were 13.5-26.3%.