A Rapid and Chemical-free Hemoglobin Assay with Photothermal Angular Light Scattering

Summary

A photo-thermal angular light scattering (PT-AS) sensor enables the rapid and chemical-free hemoglobin assay of nanoliter-scale blood samples. Here, details of the PT-AS setup and a measurement protocol for the hemoglobin concentration in blood are provided. Representative results for anemic blood samples are also presented.

Abstract

Photo-thermal angular light scattering (PT-AS) is a novel optical method for measuring the hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) of blood samples. On the basis of the intrinsic photothermal response of hemoglobin molecules, the sensor enables high-sensitivity, chemical-free measurement of [Hb]. [Hb] detection capability with a limit of 0.12 g/dl over the range of 0.35 - 17.9 g/dl has been demonstrated previously. The method can be readily implemented using inexpensive consumer electronic devices such as a laser pointer and a webcam. The use of a micro-capillary tube as a blood container also enables the hemoglobin assay with a nanoliter-scale blood volume and a low operating cost. Here, detailed instructions for the PT-AS optical setup and signal processing procedures are presented. Experimental protocols and representative results for blood samples in anemic conditions ([Hb] = 5.3, 7.5, and 9.9 g/dl) are also provided, and the measurements are compared with those from a hematology analyzer. Its simplicity in implementation and operation should enable its wide adoption in clinical laboratories and resource-limited settings.

Introduction

A blood test is commonly performed to evaluate overall human health and to detect biomarkers related to certain diseases. For example, the cholesterol concentration in blood serves as a criterion for hyperlipidemia, which is closely related to cardiovascular diseases and pancreatitis. The blood glucose contents should be measured frequently, as the glucose level is associated with complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. Serious illnesses such as malaria, human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome are diagnosed by blood examinations, and quantification of blood components including erythrocytes, thr....

Protocol

Experiments with blood samples were performed in compliance with the relevant laws and institutional guidelines. The samples were the residual blood samples that had been acquired and processed in clinical tests at the institution.

1. PT-AS Optical Setup

NOTE: One may use an empty micro-capillary tube for an initial PT-AS setup.

1. Mount an empty micro-capillary tube with inner and outer diameters of 200 and 330 μm, respectively, and a length of greater than ~5 cm on a capillary tube fixture. Commercially-available fiber fixtures can be used as the tube fixture.
2. Securely anchor a 650 nm laser pointer, i.e., probe light so....

Results

A hemoglobin assay was performed using the PT-AS sensor, and its measurements were compared with those from a hematology analyzer. The experiment was conducted with a PT excitation light intensity of 1.4 W/cm², PT modulation frequency of 2 Hz, and measurement time of 5 sec. Table 1 summarizes the experimental conditions. The beam sizes of the probe and PT excitation light were 5.5 and 2 mm, respectively. The webcam recorded the images at a frame rate of 30 fps........

Discussion

The PT-AS sensor represents an all-optical method capable of direct [Hb] measurement of unprocessed blood samples. The method quantifies [Hb] in blood using the intrinsic PT response of hemoglobin molecules in erythrocytes. Under illumination by 532-nm light, Hb molecules absorb the light energy and produce heat. The resultant temperature rise changes the RI of the blood sample. The high RI sensitivity of BSI was exploited to measure this RI change in blood. Previously, we demonstrated that the PT-AS sensor enables [Hb] .......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
650 nm laser pointer	LASMAC	LED-1	Probe light
Hollow round glass capillaries	VitroCom	CV2033	Blood sample container
Webcam	Logitech	C525	CMOS optical sensor
Optical chopper system	Thorlabs	MC2000-EC	Optical chopper
Plastic long-pass filter	Edmund Optics	#43-942	To reject 532-nm PT excitation light
Fiber clamp	Thorlabs	SM1F1-250	Capillary tube fixture
EDTA coated blood sampling tube	Greiner Bio-One	VACUETTE 454217	Blood sampling & anticoagulating
Hematology analyzer	Siemens AG	ADVIA 2120i	Reference hematology analyzer