HAEMOGLOBIN ESTIMATION Sahlis method Aim To estimate the

HAEMOGLOBIN ESTIMATION Sahli’s method

Aim • To estimate the Haemoglobin levels in mg/dl using Sahli’s method

Equipment • Sahli’s haemoglobinometer with tube, pipette, colour comparator and stirrer • Hydrochloric acid, 0. 1 N • Distilled water • Blood sample

SAHLI’S HAEMOGLOBINOMETER Haemoglobinometer tube 20 μl mark Mark 2 Stirrer Comparator Haemoglobinometer pipette

PROCEDURE Ø Fill N/10 HCl up to mark 2 of the tube Ø Pipette out 20 μL of blood, wipe tip with cotton to remove excess blood Ø Introduce blood into HCl in the tube Ø Mix, keep for 10 minutes Ø Add distilled water, stir, compare colour in comparator Ø Continue adding water and mixing until colour matches Ø Read lower meniscus on tube for Hb in g/d. L

Fill N/10 HCl up to mark 2 of the tube Mark 2 N/10 HCl

Pipette out 20 μL of blood 20 μL mark Wipe excess blood around tip with cotton Blood sample

Introduce blood into tube N/10 HCl

Mix, keep for 10 minutes

Add distilled water, stir

Continue adding, stirring until colour matches with standard

Read Hb from lower meniscus, express as g/dl Read Hb level

QUESTIONS 1. Describe the procedure 2. What is the principle behind the method? 3. What are the advantages & the disadvantages of this method? 4. What other methods are available? 5. Which method is considered ideal? 6. What is the reference haemoglobin range? 7. What is the importance of haemoglobin estimation?

MORE RELATED QUESTIONS 1. Define anemia / polycythemia 2. Classify anemia. 3. Name some causes for anemia / polycythemia 4. What is Drabkin’s solution? ______