Question

Explain in detail about the process of haemoglobin measurement in blood.

Answer 1

Estimation of Haemoglobin in blood:

• Estimation of haemoglobin in the blood is called Haemoglobinometry. Haemoglobin is a respiratory pigment found in red blood corpuscles. Chemically, it is a chemoprotection which is used for the transport of O₂ and CO₂.
• Working efficiency of a person has affected adversely if due to some reason his/her haemoglobin content drops below the normal value. A value of haemoglobin less than the normal value is an indicator of Anaemia.
• Haemoglobin content is measured with Haemoglobinometer. Traditionally Sahli’s Haemoglobinometer is used for this purpose.
• Photohaemoglobinometer and Autoanalyzer are also used.
• Sahli’s Haemoglobinometer:
• This device contains a graduated tube and two standard matching tubes placed in a stand. Between the two standard tubes is placed a measuring graduated tube. In the measuring tube, N/10 HCl is filled up to zero (2 g%) point.
• Now using the haemoglobin pipette 20 Jul (0.02 ml) blood is transferred to the measuring tube. Blood is thoroughly mixed with N/10 HCl already present in the tube.
• The N/10 HCl converts haemoglobin into a brown coloured substance called haematin. The measuring tube is now kept in between in the two standard tubes.
• Distilled water is added drop by drop mixing with continuous mixing to the measuring tube until the colour of the haematin solution matches with the colour of the standard tubes/comparison tubes.
• When the colour matching between the tube is ensured, haemoglobin content is measured by observing the reading on measuring graduated tube.