Simultaneous determination of methemoglobin and total hemoglobin by a continuous flow method

Abstract

A sensitive, accurate automated method for the simultaneous measurement of methemoglobin and total hemoglobin in blood is described. The method can be used for either continuous in vivo monitoring or intermittent sampling at a rate of 20/h. Standardization procedures are described, in which human blood treated with sodium nitrite is used. Repeatability of methemoglobin and total hemoglobin measurements, expressed as coefficient of variation in percent, are within ± 4.1 and ± 2.6%, respectively. Normal methemoglobin concentrations in humans and dogs did not exceed 0.55 g/dl (3.3% of the total hemoglobin).