To address these issues, the Health Protection Agency has, along with other stakeholders, produced a CO diagnostic algorithm(flowchart).

Diagnosing poisoning: carbon monoxide (PDF, 74 KB)

It has been developed to help GPs, Emergency Physicians and other medical professionals in England diagnose and manage CO poisoning among patients who may be exhibiting symptoms more commonly associated with other ailments. It complements the joint Chief Medical Officer's and Chief Nursing Officer's letter and a new NHS patient information leaflet on CO poisoning, which were circulated to medical professionals by the Department of Health in November 2008.

As well as aiding diagnosis, the algorithm also recommends actions to take once a diagnosis is made. It provides key telephone numbers for services providing further advice and practical assistance to protect their patient and others who might be at risk.

CO poisoning can occur at any time of year and is not limited to those from lower income groups. Older people, children, pregnant women and their unborn children and those with cardiopulmonary disorders are the groups most vulnerable to the effects of exposure to CO.

Further information on carbon monoxide can be found on the Chemicals Compendium page for CO.

How do I get a copy of the algorithm?

The algorithm is available to medical professionals in pdf form.

Diagnosing poisoning: carbon monoxide (PDF, 74 KB)
Hard copies can be obtained from the Department of Health by emailing dh@prolog.uk.com or telephoning 08701 555 455.

Also available is the letter sent out to GPs and Emergency Physicians.
Diagnosing carbon monoxide poisoning: letter to GPs and Emergency Physicians (PDF, 20 KB)

Continuing medical education on CO

Doctors can gain Continuing Medical Education (CME) points by successfully completing the electronic CME carbon monoxide module on www.doctors.net.uk

Supporting institutions

The algorithm was developed in consultation with:

• The National Poisons Information Service http://www.npis.org
• The Royal College of General Practitioners http://www.rcgp.org.uk/
• The College of Emergency Medicine http://www.collemergencymed.ac.uk/CEM/default.asp
• The Department of Heath http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm.

The dissemination of the algorithm is supported by the Gas Safe Register™. Gas Safe Register™ is the new hallmark for gas safety in Great Britain from April 2009. www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk.

Improving diagnosis, enabling rapid treatment and preventing further exposure, will help save lives and prevent illness associated with exposure to CO.