Oxyhemoglobin Method for Estimation of Hemoglobin

For the estimation of hemoglobin using the oxyhemoglobin method, a blood sample is combined with a weak ammonia solution. The absorbance of this mixture is then measured using either a photometer with a yellow-green filter or a spectrophotometer at 540 nanometers. The absorbance value of the test sample is compared with that of a standard solution.

This technique closely resembles the cyanmethemoglobin (hemoglobin-cyanide) method.

Despite being straightforward and rapid, the oxyhemoglobin method is less reliable than the cyanmethemoglobin method. This is due to the lack of a stable standard solution, the exclusion of hemoglobin derivatives other than oxyhemoglobin, and the rapid fading of the oxyhemoglobin solution's color.