1. HAEMOGLOBIN ESTIMATION
Sahli’s method

2. Aim
To estimate the Haemoglobin levels in mg/dl using Sahli’s method

3. Equipment
Sahli’s haemoglobinometer with tube, pipette, colour comparator and stirrer
Hydrochloric acid, 0.1N
Distilled water
Blood sample

4. SAHLI’S HAEMOGLOBINOMETER
Haemoglobinometer tube
20 μl mark
Mark 2
Stirrer
Comparator
Haemoglobinometer pipette

5. PROCEDURE Fill N/10 HCl up to mark 2 of the tube
Pipette out 20 μL of blood, wipe tip with cotton to remove excess blood
Introduce blood into HCl in the tube
Mix, keep for 10 minutes
Add distilled water, stir, compare colour in comparator
Continue adding water and mixing until colour matches
Read lower meniscus on tube for Hb in g/dL

6. Fill N/10 HCl up to mark 2 of the tube

7. Pipette out 20 μL of blood 20 μL mark Blood sample Wipe excess blood
around tip with cotton

8. Introduce blood into tube
N/10 HCl

9. Mix, keep for 10 minutes

10. Add distilled water, stir

11. Continue adding, stirring until colour matches with standard

12. Read Hb from lower meniscus, express as g/dl
Read Hb level

13. QUESTIONS Describe the procedure
What is the principle behind the method?
What are the advantages & the disadvantages of this method?
What other methods are available?
Which method is considered ideal?
What is the reference haemoglobin range?
What is the importance of haemoglobin estimation?

14. MORE RELATED QUESTIONS
Define anemia / polycythemia
Classify anemia.
Name some causes for anemia / polycythemia
What is Drabkin’s solution?
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