Automated cyanide-free method for haemoglobin determination on Technicon H.1

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Hematology Automation

Background:

• Traditional hemoglobin assays often rely on cyanide-based reagents, posing safety and disposal challenges.
• The Technicon H.1 counter is a widely used hematology analyzer.
• Developing safer and more efficient hemoglobin measurement methods is crucial for clinical laboratories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a cyanide-free hemoglobin method for the Technicon H.1 counter.
• To assess the precision, accuracy, and safety of the new method.
• To provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for hemoglobin analysis.

Main Methods:

• A novel method was developed using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as an ionic surfactant in a saline solution.
• Hemoglobins were converted to denatured globin haemichrome within 25 seconds.
• The method was implemented on the Technicon H.1 counter for routine testing.

Main Results:

• The developed SDS-haemichrome method demonstrated comparable precision and accuracy to the original Technicon H.1 method.
• The reagent is inexpensive and easy to prepare in a laboratory setting.
• Waste disposal is significantly safer, allowing effluent to be drained into laboratory sinks.

Conclusions:

• The cyanide-free SDS-haemichrome method is a viable, safe, and economical alternative for hemoglobin measurement on the Technicon H.1.
• This method has proven satisfactory in routine use for over a year.
• Hematology instrument manufacturers should consider adopting this hemoglobin method for automated systems.