Detection of free hemoglobin in blood products using transmission spectra and fluorescence spectra for quality assurance

Abstract

As the level of free hemoglobin is an indicator of hemolysis resulting from destroyed red blood cells, it is an important parameter for assessing the quality and usability of blood products before transfusion. To ensure the quality of red blood cells before transfusion, sensitive and reliable pre-testing of blood products is required to avoid errors caused by hemolysis. We present a method of detection of free hemoglobin (fHb) concentration using transmission spectra and fluorescence spectra. This lays a reliable foundation for further non-destructive study of fHb concentration measurement in blood bags. Whole blood and plasma of different fHb concentrations varying from 0.140 to 2.865 g L⁻¹ were prepared by professionals. Samples included 52 whole blood samples and 49 plasma samples. The fluorescence spectra and transmission spectra were then acquired respectively, and a partial least squares model was established to predict the fHb concentrations. The concentration of fHb in whole blood or plasma can be detected well using the transmission spectra within a short time, whereas the fluorescence spectra can measure well the concentration of fHb in plasma only. The prediction correlation coefficient reached more than 0.98. The results demonstrate great potential for use of transmission spectra and fluorescence spectra for non-destructive measurement of fHb concentration before transfusion.