Study for the PMLS History of Medical Technology Test. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question is accompanied by hints and explanations. Get prepared for your exam!

Multiple Choice

The cyanmethemoglobin method measures what?

This is a colorimetric test to determine how much hemoglobin is in a blood sample. The cyanmethemoglobin method uses Drabkin’s reagent to convert all forms of hemoglobin into cyanmethemoglobin, a stable colored compound. The intensity of the color is measured with a spectrophotometer, typically at 540 nm, and compared to a standard curve to yield the hemoglobin concentration in grams per deciliter. Because it directly reflects the amount of hemoglobin present, it does not measure hematocrit, platelet count, or white blood cell count. Hematocrit requires a packed cell volume method, while platelets and white cells are counted with separate techniques. This method is popular for its simplicity and reliable estimation of total hemoglobin.

This is a colorimetric test to determine how much hemoglobin is in a blood sample. The cyanmethemoglobin method uses Drabkin’s reagent to convert all forms of hemoglobin into cyanmethemoglobin, a stable colored compound. The intensity of the color is measured with a spectrophotometer, typically at 540 nm, and compared to a standard curve to yield the hemoglobin concentration in grams per deciliter. Because it directly reflects the amount of hemoglobin present, it does not measure hematocrit, platelet count, or white blood cell count. Hematocrit requires a packed cell volume method, while platelets and white cells are counted with separate techniques. This method is popular for its simplicity and reliable estimation of total hemoglobin.