Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

The half-life of carbon monoxide in the body while breathing 100% oxygen at sea level is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is a critical concept in understanding the treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning. When a patient inhales pure oxygen, the increased partial pressure of oxygen accelerates the elimination of carbon monoxide from hemoglobin, thereby reducing its half-life compared to breathing room air, where the half-life is significantly longer (about 4-6 hours).

At sea level, the rapid uptake of oxygen facilitates a faster dissociation of carbon monoxide from hemoglobin, which is the primary mechanism for reducing the toxic effects of carbon monoxide. As a result, effective treatment in hyperbaric facilities or with high-flow oxygen can lead to this reduced half-life, emphasizing the importance of immediate medical intervention for carbon monoxide exposure.