Evaluation of new, non-cyanide and simple method for blood haemoglobin estimation

Abstract

Haemoglobin estimation is an important test. The standard Haemoglobin (Hb) estimation method is Cyanmethaemoglobin (HiCN) method. The Drabkin reagent used in HiCN method contains cyanide compounds which is hazardous for both environment and laboratory personnel. To assess accuracy of Hb estimation by using distilled water as the reagent compared to the HiCN method. Retained 95 EDTA blood samples received at the Haematology laboratory, Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya were included in this study. The Hb value of each sample was estimated by standard HiCN method and using the new method (performed by using distilled water as the reagent). In Drabkin method 10 20 minutes are needed to develop stable Hb pigment for the estimation thus readings are taken at 20 minutes. Using new method, Hb concentration of all the samples were estimated immediately and after 20 minutes. Correlation studies and paired t test were taken to statistical analysis. A good correlation was observed between the cyanmethaemoglobin method and the new method. Paired t test values of immediate absorbance and absorbance at 20 minutes of the new method showed no significant difference from values obtained by standard Cyanmethaemoglobin method (immediate absorbance - P =0.819, Absorbance at 20 minutes - P =0.941).