The cyanmethemoglobin method measures which analyte?

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!

Cyanmethemoglobin method is a colorimetric assay that determines the concentration of hemoglobin in a blood sample. Hemoglobin is converted to cyanmethemoglobin by Drabkin's reagent (which contains ferricyanide and cyanide), producing a stable deep-red color. The absorbance of this solution, read around 540 nm, is proportional to the amount of hemoglobin present, allowing calculation of Hb concentration. This test specifically measures hemoglobin, not cell counts or hematocrit, which are determined by other methods. Platelet and white blood cell counts come from separate counting techniques, while hematocrit is a volume-based measure usually obtained by centrifugation.