The spectrophotometric absorbance of Intralipid

The spectral absorbance of Intralipid, a phospholipid emulsion, was investigated to discern its effect, when parenterally administered, on the spectrophotometric measurement of hemoglobin (Hb), oxyhemoglobin (HbO2), and carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO). While accounting for dilutional factors, various concentrations of Intralipid in both water and hemoglobin solutions were analyzed at six wavelengths commonly used to measure Hb, HbO2 and HbCO. Absorbance increased linearly with Intralipid concentration at all wavelengths, and ranged from 0.034 at 505 nm to 0.019 at 626.6 nm per mg of Intralipid. Therefore, in patients receiving Intralipid, significant errors in Hb, HbO2 and HbCO measurements can be introduced if these measurements are made by oximetry, and the authors suggest that such measurements should be accomplished by methods other than spectrophotometry.