What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or fatigue that might be linked to carbon monoxide exposure. It's also useful if you've been near a malfunctioning furnace, generator, fireplace, or car exhaust and want to check whether carbon monoxide has built up in your blood. Smokers and people who work around combustion engines or gas appliances may also want to check their levels.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of the normal range so you know exactly where your carboxyhemoglobin level falls. If your level is elevated, next steps include getting fresh air immediately, having your heating and gas appliances inspected, and retesting once you've been away from the suspected exposure source. A downloadable lab report is available in your account for your records, and you can track your levels over time using the trends feature if you retest periodically.

How can I naturally support healthy oxygen levels after CO exposure?

The best step is to get into fresh air right away and avoid any further exposure to smoke, exhaust, or gas fumes. Staying hydrated and resting helps your body clear carbon monoxide from your bloodstream faster. Avoiding cigarette smoke, including secondhand smoke, also helps keep your carboxyhemoglobin levels low going forward.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being tested at the lab. You'll get a notification once your report is available in your account, so you don't need to check manually. If your symptoms feel urgent, don't wait for results — seek medical care right away.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who suspects they've been exposed to carbon monoxide, such as from a faulty furnace, generator, wood stove, or running a car in an enclosed space, should consider this test. It's also worth checking if you work in environments with combustion engines or gas equipment, or if you smoke heavily. People experiencing unexplained headaches, dizziness, or fatigue at home may also want to rule out CO exposure.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common warning signs include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, blurred vision, and shortness of breath, especially if they improve when you leave the house or area. Multiple people or pets in the same space feeling sick at the same time is also a red flag. If symptoms are severe, such as loss of consciousness or chest pain, seek emergency medical care immediately rather than waiting for test results.

What is carboxyhemoglobin and why does it matter?

Carboxyhemoglobin forms when carbon monoxide attaches to hemoglobin, the part of your blood that normally carries oxygen. Because carbon monoxide binds much more strongly than oxygen does, it crowds out oxygen and starves your organs and tissues of what they need. Measuring this level tells you how much carbon monoxide is actually in your blood, which is far more accurate than guessing based on symptoms alone.

What does a high carboxyhemoglobin level mean?

A high level means carbon monoxide has replaced a significant portion of the oxygen your blood would normally carry, which can cause symptoms ranging from mild headaches to serious organ stress at higher levels. It usually points to an exposure source like a gas leak, poorly ventilated heater, or exhaust fumes. If your level comes back high, get to fresh air, have gas appliances checked by a professional, and seek medical care if symptoms are severe.

What causes a high carboxyhemoglobin result?

The most common causes are malfunctioning or poorly ventilated heating systems, running vehicles or generators in enclosed spaces, gas stoves, and heavy smoking. Even low levels of carbon monoxide in the air can build up in your blood if exposure is prolonged. Identifying and fixing the exposure source is the most important step after a high result.

How often should I retest?

If you've had a suspected exposure, it makes sense to retest after you've been away from the source for a few hours to confirm your levels have returned to normal. Ongoing retesting isn't usually necessary unless you work in an environment with regular carbon monoxide risk, such as around combustion engines or gas equipment. In those cases, periodic testing every few months can help you catch issues early.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Carboxyhemoglobin Test - Carbon Monoxide Exposure Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]