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Carbon monoxide has an affinity for hemoglobin over 200 times greater than oxygen, reducing oxygen transport and causing cellular hypoxia. HBO accelerates the displacement of CO from hemoglobin and restores plasma oxygen levels through Henry’s Law. Cyanide poisoning may benefit indirectly, but it is not an FDA/UHMS approved indication. Lead and arsenic are treated with chelation therapy, not HBO.

An oxygen analyzer continuously measures the fraction of oxygen inside the chamber to ensure levels remain within safe limits. This prevents both hypoxic and dangerously oxygen-enriched atmospheres, reducing fire and physiological risks. Flowmeters regulate gas delivery, pulse oximeters measure blood oxygen saturation, and TCOM assesses tissue oxygenation. CHTs must calibrate and monitor analyzers frequently to maintain safe chamber conditions.

Patients with diabetes mellitus, particularly those using insulin or oral hypoglycemics, are at risk for hypoglycemia during HBO sessions. Oxygen under pressure increases cellular metabolism and glucose utilization. Furthermore, patients often fast prior to treatment, compounding the risk. CHTs must check blood glucose pre-treatment and post-treatment, have oral glucose available, and coordinate with nursing or medical staff to prevent hypoglycemic episodes, which may mimic oxygen toxicity symptoms.

Staged decompression gives tissues time to offload nitrogen safely, preventing bubble formation. It does not affect nitrogen narcosis directly, nor does it shorten oxygen’s half-life. Pulmonary fibrosis is unrelated to decompression.

Henry’s Law states that gas solubility in liquids is directly proportional to pressure. At high partial pressures, more oxygen dissolves into plasma and lung tissues. With prolonged exposure, this excess oxygen generates reactive oxygen species, damaging lung epithelium and reducing vital capacity. This is why pulmonary oxygen toxicity develops after extended HBO sessions without adequate air breaks.