Non-invasive detection of free hemoglobin in red blood cell concentrates for quality assurance

Abstract

Abstract There is currently no non-invasive measurement method available on the market for the quality control of red cell concentrates (RCCs). As the level of free hemoglobin is an indicator for hemolysis resulting from destroyed or overaged red blood cells, it is an important parameter to assess the quality and usability of RCCs before transfusion. A new optical device has been developed and tested to enable the measurement of the free hemoglobin concentration non-invasively in RCCs.