What is the purpose of Exhaled Carbon Monoxide (FEco) testing?

Exhaled Carbon Monoxide (FEco) testing is a specialized method used primarily to evaluate the breath for the presence of carbon monoxide, which is a byproduct of combustion from smoking. The purpose of this testing is significant in clinical settings, particularly among patients who smoke or are attempting to quit.

When a person smokes, carbon monoxide is absorbed into the bloodstream and subsequently expelled through exhalation. By measuring the levels of carbon monoxide in the breath, healthcare providers can determine recent smoking behavior and help assess a patient's adherence to smoking cessation programs. Elevated levels of exhaled carbon monoxide indicate recent tobacco use, allowing practitioners to monitor abstinence effectively.

This method is invaluable for both motivational interviewing in behavioral therapy and compliance monitoring in smoking cessation initiatives, making it a targeted tool in public health and individual patient care.