What Blood Test Is Done For Smoke Inhalation?

Did you know that one simple blood test can tell if smoke harmed your body after a home fire?

What this article will do for you

You will learn what blood tests doctors order after smoke inhalation. You will learn what each test shows. You will learn how these test results matter for your health and for an insurance claim. You will learn what to do with the test results when you file a property claim in Florida. The words will be plain. The sentences will be short. You can read this and understand the next steps.

What is smoke inhalation?

Smoke inhalation happens when you breathe air that has ash, soot, hot gases, or chemicals from a fire. Smoke can harm your lungs, your heart, and your blood. Smoke can also carry gases that block oxygen in your blood. You can feel short of breath, dizzy, or sleepy. You may not see burns on the skin and still have serious harm inside.

Why blood tests matter after a fire

Blood tests show what is happening inside your blood and organs. Tests can show if your blood is not carrying oxygen well. Tests can show if harmful chemicals, like carbon monoxide or cyanide, are in your body. These results help doctors treat you. These results also help you document injury for an insurance claim. Clear records help your case when you talk with an insurance company. Your public adjuster can use these records to support your claim.

Who should you call after a fire in Florida?

You should get medical help right away if you breathe smoke. You should also call a public adjuster to protect your property claim. Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals can help you. You can reach Otero at:

• Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
• 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
• (850) 285-0405
• https://oteroadjusting.com/

Otero serves homeowners across Florida. Otero acts for you when you file a claim. Otero only gets paid when you do. Otero offers a free initial inspection with no obligation.

Main blood tests for smoke inhalation

Doctors use several blood tests after a fire. These tests give different information. The main tests are:

• Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) by co-oximetry
• Arterial blood gas (ABG)
• Pulse oximetry (not a blood test, but important)
• Serum lactate
• Blood cyanide level (when suspected)
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Basic metabolic panel (BMP) and liver tests
• Troponin (if heart injury suspected)
  You will see a simple table next to explain these tests.

Table: Common tests after smoke inhalation

Test name	What it checks	Sample type	Typical normal value	Why it matters for claims
Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb)	Carbon monoxide bound to hemoglobin	Blood (co-oximeter)	0–2% (non-smokers)	Proves carbon monoxide exposure and can show severity
Arterial blood gas (ABG)	Oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH in blood	Arterial blood	PaO2 75–100 mmHg, pH 7.35–7.45	Shows how well lungs exchange gases
Pulse oximetry (SpO2)	Oxygen saturation estimate	Sensor on finger (not blood)	95–100% (healthy)	Quick oxygen check, but can be wrong in CO poisoning
Serum lactate	Level of lactic acid in blood	Blood (venous)	0.5–2.2 mmol/L	High levels suggest poor oxygen use or shock
Blood cyanide	Cyanide in blood	Blood	Usually 0–0.5 mg/L	Confirms cyanide poisoning from certain fires
CBC	Red and white blood cell counts	Blood	Varies by age	Shows infection, anemia, or stress response
BMP / liver tests	Kidney and liver function, electrolytes	Blood	Varies	Shows organ stress from smoke or treatment
Troponin	Heart muscle injury	Blood	Very low or undetectable	Shows if smoke caused heart damage

Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas made by fires. CO sticks to your red blood cells. When CO sticks to hemoglobin, it keeps oxygen from moving into your tissues. Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) is the measure of how much hemoglobin has CO attached.

Your doctor asks for a co-oximetry test to measure COHb. This test uses a blood sample. The lab spins light through the blood to read different hemoglobin types. The result looks simple. It is a percent. Higher percent means more CO in your blood.

For non-smokers, the normal COHb is about 0–2%. For smokers, normal can be higher. Serious symptoms often occur when COHb rises above 15% to 20%. Very high values, like 50% or more, can be life-threatening. The test helps doctors decide if you need oxygen or other care.

For insurance, COHb levels are clear evidence. You can use the lab report in a claim file. Keep a copy. Give it to your public adjuster. Otero can include this in documentation to support your claim for smoke damage and related losses.

Why pulse oximetry can be misleading

You will often see a small device clipped to the finger. This is pulse oximetry. It reads oxygen saturation using light through the skin. The device shows a number like 95%.

Pulse oximeters cannot tell the difference between oxygen bound to hemoglobin and carbon monoxide bound to hemoglobin. If CO is on hemoglobin, the pulse oximeter may still show a normal value. That look can fool you and your family. The co-oximeter blood test is the reliable way to see COHb.

When you file a claim, include both pulse oximetry readings and lab reports. The lab report explains why the pulse oximeter was wrong. Your public adjuster uses this to show real injury.

Arterial blood gas (ABG)

An ABG test measures gases and acid levels in arterial blood. Doctors draw blood from an artery, often in the wrist. The ABG gives numbers for:

• PaO2 (oxygen pressure)
• PaCO2 (carbon dioxide pressure)
• pH (acid level)
• HCO3- (bicarbonate)
  ABG tells if your lungs are moving oxygen into your blood. ABG also shows if you are retaining carbon dioxide or if your blood is too acidic.

For smoke inhalation, ABG shows how much the fire harmed your breathing. Low PaO2 or a bad pH can mean you need more care. Include your ABG report when you file a claim. This record proves the level of medical attention you received.

Serum lactate and tissue oxygen use

Lactate is a chemical made when your tissues do not get enough oxygen. A high lactate level can mean that parts of your body did not get oxygen after the fire. It also shows if your body is under severe stress.

Doctors order lactate to check for shock or poor oxygen use. High lactate can be a sign that you had serious harm even if other tests look okay. This test is quick and helpful. Keep the lab result for your file.

Blood cyanide level

Some fires burn plastics, rubber, or nylon. These materials can make cyanide gas. Cyanide stops your cells from using oxygen. That can cause a fast, serious injury.

Doctors will suspect cyanide if you have rapid breathing, low blood pressure, confusion, or persistent low oxygen despite treatment. Tests for cyanide include direct blood cyanide level and other markers like lactate. The cyanide level can take time to return from the lab. Treatment can start before the lab result if a doctor strongly suspects cyanide.

From a claims view, a lab test for cyanide supports serious exposure. Keep all records. Your public adjuster can use them with other proof to show you suffered loss from the fire.

Complete blood count (CBC)

A CBC checks red blood cells and white blood cells. It also measures platelets. Smoke and stress can change these numbers.

A high white blood cell count can mean inflammation or stress. A low hemoglobin might mean blood loss or chronic conditions. The CBC helps the doctor see the overall effect of the fire on your body.

You should save the CBC results with your other records. These numbers help show the medical response you needed.

Basic metabolic panel (BMP) and liver tests

A BMP checks kidney function and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. The liver tests check enzymes that rise when the liver is stressed.

Smoke, dehydration, medicines, or oxygen therapy can change these numbers. Your doctor will look at these tests to guide treatment. Keep copies for claim support. They show treatment complexity and the effect on your organs.

Troponin and heart checks

Smoke inhalation can stress your heart. Carbon monoxide and other toxins can reduce oxygen to the heart. That can cause damage.

Troponin is a blood marker that the heart releases when it gets injured. Doctors will test troponin if you have chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or new shortness of breath.

A positive troponin is evidence of heart strain or injury. This is important to document for claims that involve medical bills and lost work.

How tests are collected and timed

Most of these tests use blood drawn from your arm. An ABG uses arterial blood from a wrist, elbow, or groin. Labs can run some tests quickly. Others take longer.

Timing matters. COHb can fall after oxygen treatment. A COHb result immediately after the fire is the most useful. If you wait, the level can drop. Try to get medical care and tests as soon as possible. Early tests protect both your health and your claim.

How test results affect treatment

High COHb levels often lead to supplemental oxygen. Very high levels may lead to hyperbaric oxygen therapy in some cases. High lactate or low PaO2 can lead to more monitoring in the hospital. Positive cyanide tests can lead to specific antidotes.

You should follow the doctor’s advice. Keep all test results and treatment notes. These papers show the care you needed. You will give them to your public adjuster.

How these results help your property claim

Insurance claims after a fire can cover medical bills tied to the fire. You can get paid for medical expenses that come from the fire. The insurance company will want proof. Lab tests and doctor notes are strong proof.

Your public adjuster will gather:

• Medical records
• Lab reports (COHb, ABG, lactate, cyanide)
• Hospital bills
• Photos of the fire and smoke damage
• Witness statements

Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals can help collect this evidence. Otero will speak with the insurance company for you. Otero knows how to present medical evidence to show your loss. Otero only gets paid when you receive money.

How to collect and protect medical records

Ask the hospital or clinic for copies of your records. Ask for lab reports and discharge notes. Save all bills and receipts. Keep text messages or emails with doctors and emergency workers. Do not throw away clothes that smell of smoke. Take photos of your home and of any visible soot or smoke damage.

Keep a folder or digital file with all papers. Share these with your public adjuster. Otero can add these items to your claim file.

Common questions you might have

Can a normal pulse oximeter rule out CO poisoning?

No. Pulse oximeters can read a normal number even when CO is high. Only a co-oximeter blood test can measure COHb directly.

Will the lab test always show cyanide?

Not always. Cyanide testing can take time and is not available in every lab. Doctors use clinical signs, lactate levels, and the history of materials burned to judge cyanide risk.

How soon should you see a doctor after a fire?

You should see a doctor right away if you breathed smoke. You should also see a doctor even if you feel okay. Some effects can show up later. Early tests give stronger evidence for your claim.

What if you lose a work day because of smoke inhalation?

You may have wages lost due to the injury. Save your work notes and pay records. Your public adjuster can show these losses to the insurance company if the policy covers them.

A clear example you can follow

You smell smoke and cough after a small kitchen fire. You go to the emergency room. The doctor orders:

• COHb by co-oximetry
• ABG
• Pulse oximetry
• Lactate
• CBC
  The COHb result is 18%. The doctor gives you oxygen and watches you in the ER. They document the COHb and their treatment in your record. You keep a copy of the lab results and the ER bill. You call Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals. Otero inspects your home for smoke damage. Otero adds your medical papers to your property claim file. Otero negotiates with the insurance company for medical bills and repair costs. You receive the help you need to restore your home and to pay your medical bills.

What to say to medical staff to get the right tests

Say where the fire happened and what burned. Say if you were in a closed room or near house materials like plastics. Say if you feel dizzy, confused, or weak. Ask for a co-oximetry test to check COHb. Ask the doctor to check for cyanide if plastics burned. Ask for ABG if you feel very short of breath.

Use simple words. Be calm. Keep a record of who you spoke with and when. These notes help your claim.

What to tell your public adjuster

Tell your adjuster:

• When the fire happened
• Where you were during the fire
• If you were treated in the ER or admitted
• What tests doctors ran
• Which lab reports you have
  Give copies of all documents. Your adjuster will organize these for the claim.

Why a public adjuster helps in Florida

Insurance policies can be hard to read. Claims adjusters for insurance companies look at losses differently than you do. A public adjuster represents you. A public adjuster knows how to value damage and medical costs. A public adjuster speaks for you and negotiates with the insurance company.

Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals knows Florida rules. Otero helps homeowners across Florida. Otero offers a free initial property inspection. Otero only gets paid when your claim settles. Call Otero at (850) 285-0405 or visit https://oteroadjusting.com/ to book your inspection.

What you can do right now after a fire

1. Get medical care. You must protect your health first.
2. Ask the medical team for lab reports, especially COHb, ABG, and lactate.
3. Keep all medical bills and notes.
4. Take photos of your home and the fire damage.
5. Call a public adjuster like Otero for a free inspection.
6. Store clothes and items that show smoke damage in a safe place.
7. Make a list of lost items and any missed work days.

How long should you keep records?

Keep all records until your claim is closed and any appeal time has passed. That can be months. Keep records in paper and digital form. Otero can advise you on what to keep for a Florida property claim.

A short checklist for medical records

• ER report and discharge notes
• Lab reports (COHb, ABG, lactate, cyanide)
• Hospital admission notes
• Bills and receipts
• Medications and prescriptions
• Follow-up visit notes

Give these documents to your public adjuster right away. These records speed up your claim.

What to expect from the insurance company

The insurance company will ask for proof. They will ask why the medical bills relate to the fire. You or your public adjuster must show clear links. Lab tests showing COHb or cyanide help prove that link. Photos and repair estimates show property damage. Otero will present these items in a way that follows Florida insurance rules.

How Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals helps you

Otero visits your home for a free inspection. Otero records property damage and collects evidence. Otero gathers your medical records and bills. Otero prepares a claim package for the insurance company. Otero negotiates for fair compensation. Otero only collects fees after you get paid.

Otero has experience with hurricane, water, mold, and fire damage. Otero helps homeowners across Florida. You can call Otero at (850) 285-0405. You can visit https://oteroadjusting.com/ for more details. The office is at 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526.

Tips to make your claim stronger

• Get medical care quickly and keep the reports.
• Keep all receipts related to the fire.
• Photograph damage and take a short video tour.
• Save items with smoke residue in a plastic bag and label them.
• Get a public adjuster on the case promptly.
• Be honest and clear when you speak with insurers.

Your public adjuster will use these items to form a strong claim.

Final thoughts

Smoke inhalation is invisible but real. Blood tests like COHb, ABG, lactate, and cyanide can show the harm. These tests help doctors treat you. These tests help you prove losses to an insurance company. Keep clear records. Do not delay care. Call a public adjuster to help you make your claim strong.

If you live in Florida, Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals can help you. Otero provides a free initial inspection. Otero works for you, not the insurance company. Otero only gets paid when you do. Call Otero at (850) 285-0405 or visit https://oteroadjusting.com/. Their office is at 3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526.

You can use these tests and records to help your health and your claim. You can protect your family and your home. The blood test results are small papers that can have big power in your recovery.