title: Observations on the alkaline haematin/detergent complex proposed for measuring haemoglobin concentration.
abstract: The "alkaline haematin D-575" method for determining haemoglobin, described by Zander et al. [1984) Clin. Chim. Acta 136, 83-93) was tested. Claims that different non-ionic detergents in the reagent result in identical values for the haemoglobin concentration being measured could not be verified. It could also not be verified that a stable end-product with unique spectral characteristics is always reached within approximately 2 min and that conversion of fetal haemoglobin is faster than that with the haemiglobin cyanide method. Because of the many questions regarding the nature and characteristics of the alkaline haematin/detergent complex or complexes, it is not yet possible to recommend this method for routine haemoglobinometry.
authors.affiliation: Division of Host Factors, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA.
authors.forename: O W
authors.initials: OW
authors.lastname: van Assendelft
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Zijlstra
mesh_terms: D003902:Detergents; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D017830:Octoxynol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
chemical_list: D003902:Detergents; D006454:Hemoglobins; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D017830:Octoxynol