Interference of fetal hemoglobin with the spectrophotometric measurement of carboxyhemoglobin

Clin Chem. 1988 May;34(5):975-7.

Abstract

We measured the concentration of carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) in blood samples from 32 neonates by spectrophotometry (IL282 CO-Oximeter) and gas chromatography, finding a strong positive correlation (r = 0.89) between the concentration of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) and HbCO as measured by spectrophotometry, but not by gas chromatography. Thus, Hb F interferes with the determination of HbCO by spectrophotometric techniques by falsely increasing apparent HbCO in direct proportion to Hb F. We conclude that, when Hb F is known or suspected to be present, blood HbCO cannot be reliably determined by methods based on spectrophotometry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Carboxyhemoglobin / analysis*
  • Chromatography, Gas / methods
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Fetal Hemoglobin*
  • Hemolysis
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Oximetry / methods

Substances

  • Fetal Hemoglobin
  • Carboxyhemoglobin