摘要：Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), methemoglobin (MetHb), and a cyanide ion (CN-) concentrations in the blood taken from 70 victims by fire and auto exhausts were simultaneously determined by our previously described colorimetries using a gas phase mini-circulation apparatus. The simultaneous determination of one sample was performed within 45 min. There existed a difference of hemoglobin derivatives and CN- levels among the each source of carbon monoxide poisoning. In the case of low COHb concentration in blood samples taken from the victims by auto exhausts, it should be considered that the causes of death of the victims might be owing to the combination of carbon monoxide poisoning and hypoxic hypoxia. When MetHb concentration is used as an indicator for vital reactions, the causes of death should be carefully determined because MetHb concentration in the blood is varied by heating the cadaver died by fire or storing even at 4°C. Since CN- was detected from most of the samples and the lethal level of CN- was determined from the some of the samples, CN- concentration in blood samples taken from the fire victims should be certainly determined. From the results, it was shown that the determination of COHb, MetHb, and CN- concentrations was very important for investigating the causes of death of suicides and victims by fire and auto exhausts, and the simultaneous methods used in this study were available for the practice of forensic science.
