Why is CO an Ideal Gas for Measuring Diffusing Capacity

Question

Why is CO an ideal gas for measuring diffusing capacity of the lungs?
A) It is taken up by Hb in a manner similar to O2.
B) It is always present in capillary blood at 0.3%.
C) It is quickly converted to CO2in the lungs.
D) It does not react with He or other tracer gases.

Accepted Answer

CO is an ideal gas for measuring diffusing capacity of the lungs because it is taken up by hemoglobin in a similar manner to oxygen. This means that the diffusing capacity of CO provides information on the ability of the lungs to transfer gases from the air to the bloodstream.