Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin with a significantly higher affinity than oxygen does. Specifically, this affinity is approximately 200 times greater than that of oxygen. This means that when carbon monoxide is present, it can effectively displace oxygen from hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen transport in the bloodstream, which can result in hypoxia even at relatively low concentrations of carbon monoxide.

This high affinity is due to the way carbon monoxide interacts with the heme group in hemoglobin, forming a stable complex that inhibits the normal binding and release of oxygen. Understanding this concept is crucial in hyperbaric medicine, as knowledge of carbon monoxide toxicity and treatment options is fundamental for hyperbaric technologists. Recognizing the severity of carbon monoxide's impact on oxygen delivery helps in addressing emergencies and planning effective interventions, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which can help displace carbon monoxide from hemoglobin and restore normal oxygen levels in tissues.