title: Optical detection of hemoglobin in pulpal blood.
abstract: An in vitro, flow-through optical system was designed to measure hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in the pulp space. The system included light-emitting diodes and a silicon photodetector positioned on opposing surfaces of human teeth. A syringe pump allowed a controlled flow of blood through the pulp chamber. The Hb concentration was computed as a nonlinear function of transmitted light intensity. Transmitted light intensities were also used as indicators of oxygenation level. Optical measurements correlated with Hb values measured by the conventional cyanmethemoglobin method (r=0.993). The mean percentage error was 5.8%, and the standard error of prediction was 0.77 g/dl for Hb concentrations ranging from 4 to 20 g/dl. Deoxygenated blood exhibited up to 31% lower transmitted intensity. Light transmission through teeth may be useful in the assessment of total Hb and blood oxygenation within the pulp chamber.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Diaz-Arnold
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Wilcox
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000098:blood supply*; D006452:Hemoglobinometry / Q000379:methods; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D008027:Light; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D012044:Regression Analysis; D014172:Transillumination
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins; D010100:Oxygen