Investigation Into Haemoglobin Levels And The Relationship Between Absorption And Concentration
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Investigation into haemoglobin levels, and the relationship between absorption and concentration. 551+146+85+71 = 853
Introduction 82+41+56+108+57+70+41+96 =551
Haematology, is a well-used important tool for diagnosing anaemia in patients, via a full blood count alongside a blood film. There are many parameters considered, from Haemoglobin levels, white blood counts and platelet counts to full white blood cell counts, also referred to as a full blood count ( FBC ) (Bain, 2006) ;(National Institute of Health, 2012). Doing a full blood count, and examining a blood film, together, helps the haematologist to detect quantitative and qualitative abnormalities, if any, within blood cells. This is a particularly inaccurate practice, with many…show more content… Looking to the theory of light, it is known that light is made up of many colours of a spectrum. A solution which appears blue for example, is in reality removing or absorbing the red and green wavelengths of light, and only allowing the blue to transmit through the solution. The amount of light absorbed, depends entirely on the compounds function, each compound will present a different wavelength and intensity. Due to this, comparison of compounds and identification is enabled using this technique.108
Measurement of Haemoglobin
To try and determine the amount of haemoglobin in the blood (or a solution ) the haemoglobin must be disassociated from the blood cells, and be free in the solution itself. The pigment produced is then measured by the spectrophotometer, using light wavelengths. This is compared to a series of results, and drawn on a calibration curve. 57
The method used to disassociate the haemoglobin, is commonly done by measuring it as cyanomethemoglobin. The method uses cyanide, which binds to oxidised methemoglobin through oxidisation. Cyanide forms a stable and strong link to the methemoglobin, and it gives off an intense red hue. By measuring this absorbance in samples, and comparing the results to other known standards, an unknown amount of haemoglobin in an unknown sample can be determined. (Geis., 2006)70
Hypothesis
This investigation will determine the wavelength of maximum absorption of haemoglobin samples, by producing an