Hemoglobin Measurement in the Laboratory

Hemoglobin Measurement in the Laboratory

Overview of Hemoglobin Determination

• Hemoglobin (Hb) determination can be conducted as a separate test or as a component of a Complete Blood Count (CBC).

Methods of Hemoglobin Measurement

• Hemoglobin levels can be analyzed using various methods:
  • Instrumental Methods:
  • Predominantly, hemoglobin measurement is performed with automated laboratory instrumentation.
  • Manual Methods:
  • Manual determination of hemoglobin is also possible and serves as a quality measure or backup in cases where automated systems fail.

Cyanmethemoglobin Method

• The cyanmethemoglobin method is the most common technique employed for both manual and automated hemoglobin determination.
  • Process of Cyanmethemoglobin Method:
  1. A modified Drabkin's reagent, which contains potassium cyanide, is mixed with the blood specimen.
  2. The mixture is incubated to induce lysis of the red blood cells.
  3. The hemoglobin is converted into cyanmethemoglobin.
  4. Measurement is conducted using a spectrophotometer set at a wavelength of 540 nm to determine the absorbance, which correlates with the concentration of hemoglobin in the sample.

Technical Notes

• The choice between manual and automated determination methods depends on laboratory resources, workflow, and the required accuracy of the hemoglobin measurement.
• Utilization of the cyanmethemoglobin method ensures reliable and reproducible results for hemoglobin determination.