U of T Scarborough | Health & Wellness Centre | WPP

CO Testing, Hold Your Breath!

Carbon monoxide (CO) trivia:

  • Cigarettes contain CO, the same poisonous fumes that are in car exhausts
  • CO enters your bloodstream and prevents your red blood cells from carrying oxygen to your heart.
  • Red blood cells prefer CO to Oxygen, but your heart prefers Oxygen

What is a CO test?

A CO test is done using a CO monitor: a cool device that measures the amount of CO content present in your body. The test is hygiene friendly, requires no needles and most importantly, absolutely free! So come by as often as every week. We also give a record card which can fit conveniently in your wallet/pocket and can be used to compare your scores or even track your progress! (especially if you're trying to control your cigarette consumption)

How does it work?

  • You are asked to take 3 deep breaths.
  • The first two are to be exhaled, while the third one is to be held in for 20 seconds.
  • You are then asked to make a tight seal around a disposable tube attached to the monitor and blow all the air into the tube.
  • Your scored appears on an LCD on the CO monitor

Interpretation of your score:

0 - 3 Non-smoker/ Ex-smoker
4 - 7 Light or social smoker
> 10 Smoker
< 10 Heavy smoker
< 20 Poisonous