The Effect of Number of Tests, Hemoglobin Level and Working Temperature on the Specific Gravity of 100 ml Copper Sulphate Solution in Hemoglobin Screening

Abstract

Background. The copper sulphate method, being economical, was used for hemoglobin screening in blood donation. Various references cite different number of tests that can be performed in a 100 mL copper sulphate solution.

Objective.The study was conducted to determine the effect of number of tests, hemoglobin level and working temperature on the specific gravity of 100 ml copper sulphate solution.

Methodology. Three groups of samples of known hemoglobin levels (<12 g/dl, 12-14 g/dl, and >14 g/dl) were tested using a 100 ml copper sulphate solution with specific gravity 1.053 at room temperature and at temperature of 29-30°C. Specific gravity of the solution was measured after every 5 tests for a total of 50 tests per experiment.

Result.There was no change in the specific gravity of copper sulphate solution used in 50 tests. There was no difference in the measured specific gravity across all experiments.

Conclusion. A 100 mL copper sulphate solution can be used for 50 tests using samples of various hemoglobin levels, at room temperature and at a higher temperature.