Mixing technique for the oxygen-hemoglobin equilibrium and Bohr effect

Abstract

This approach to the measurement of the oxygen-hemoglobin equilibrium, including its pH dependence (Bohr effect), is applicable to study of either erythrocyte suspensions or free hemoglobin solutions. We prepare aliquots of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin and mix them in various proportions anaerobic-ally, thereby providing various calculable oxyhemoglobin saturations for PO2 measurement. By this method, oxygen-hemoglobin equilibrium curves of normal human blood are reproducible and almost identical with those determined by established techniques. We discuss problems, advantages, and applications of this method.