Rapid estimation of carboxyhemoglobin level in fire fighters.

The analysis of expired breath with a portable electrochemical cell after carbon monoxide exposure provides a practical field method for the rapid estimation of carboxyhemoglobin. A fire fighter can collect and analyze his own breath sample for CO, an operation that requires 1 1/2 minutes. This simple technique has the accuracy necessary to determine compliance with the regulations governing occupational exposure to CO.