In vitro absorption of atmospheric carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide in undisturbed pooled blood.

Blood samples from aircraft accident victims are analyzed for carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and cyanide ion (CN(-)). Such victims often suffer open wounds near the autopsy blood collection sites. Many aircraft crashes result in fires that fill the victim's atmosphere with smoke that is rich in carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen cyanide (HCN).