The hemoglobin content of single erythrocytes was determined by microspectrophotometry as total extinction (TE) at 415 nm in subjects with a wide spectrum of hemoglobin levels and erythrocyte indices. Precise measurements of the cellular area (A) and the ratio TE/A were also recorded. A significant correlation was found between TE and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), A and mean corpuscular volume, and TE/A and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) for the cases studied. In addition, TE, A and TE/A were determined in fetal erythrocytes obtained by fetoscopy at the 20th week of gestation for prenatal diagnosis of β-thalassemia. The mean red cell TE and TE/A of the group of fetuses diagnosed to have thalassemia major were significantly lower than those of the group of normal controls and with heterozygous β-thalassemia. The significant differences of TE, A and TE/A between maternal and fetal blood allowed a safe distinction of the latter. The calculated MCH of the fetuses with thalassemia major was 12% less than that of the normal controls; the respective difference of the mean cell size was 5 % and that of MCHC 3 % lower than normal.

Keywords:
Fetal red cell, Hemoglobin content, Hereditary hemolytic anemia, Microspectrophotometry
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1985 S. Karger AG, Basel
1985
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.