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Optical detection of hemoglobin in pulpal blood
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Optical detection of hemoglobin in pulpal blood

Ana M Diaz-Arnold, Mark A Arnold and Lisa R Wilcox
Journal of endodontics, Vol.22(1), pp.19-22
1996
DOI: 10.1016/S0099-2399(96)80230-5
PMID: 8618080

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Abstract

An in vitro, flow-through optical system was designed to measure hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in the pulp space. The system included lightemitting diodes and a silicon photodetector positioned on opposing surfaces of human teeth. A syringe pump allowed a controlled flow of blood through the pulp chamber. The Hb concentration was computed as a nonlinear function of transmitted light intensity. Transmitted light intensities were also used as indicators of oxygenation level. Optical measurements correlated with Hb values measured by the conventional cyanmethemoglobin method ( r = 0.993). The mean percentage error was 5.8%, and the standard error of prediction was 0.77 g/dl for Hb concentrations ranging from 4 to 20 g/dl. Deoxygenated blood exhibited up to 31% lower transmitted intensity. Light transmission through teeth may be useful in the assessment of total Hb and blood oxygenation within the pulp chamber.

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