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Hemoglobin derivatives

Alternative Names: Methemoglobin; Carboxyhemoglobin; Sulfhemoglobin; Carbon monoxide poisoning Normal Values: The following values represent the percentage of hemoglobin derivatives based on total hemoglobin: Carboxyhemoglobin: 3% (but may be as high as 15% in smokers) Methemoglobin: less than 3% Sulfhemoglobin: undetectable What abnormal results mean: Text Continues Below As abnormally high levels of hemoglobin derivatives rise, there are increasingly detrimental effects. Since these forms of hemoglobin do not permit the transfer of oxygen, the effects on the body are related to lack of oxygen to the tissues, which can result in tissue death. The following values, except sulfhemoglobin, represent the percentage of hemoglobin derivatives based on total hemoglobin: Carboxyhemoglobin: 20% symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning begin to appear 30% severe carbon monoxide poisoning present 50-80% results in fatal carbon monoxide poisoning Methemoglobin: 10-25% results in cyanosis 35-40% results in shortness of breath and headache Over 60% results in lethargy and stupor Over 70% results in death Sulfhemoglobin: Values of 10 gm/dl result in cyanosis, but do not produce toxic effects Note: Lower levels are hemoglobin derivatives produce the same effects in children. Gm/dl = grams per deciliter

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