Haematinometer is a device used to measure the level of hemoglobin in the blood. The spelling of this word follows the British English convention of using "ae" to represent the "e" sound in words derived from Greek. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is ˌhiː.mə.tɪˈnɒm.ɪ.tə, with stress on the second and fourth syllables. The "ae" in "haem" is pronounced like "ee" and the "i" in "mino" is pronounced like "i" in "bit".
A haematinometer is a specialized instrument used in medical and laboratory settings to measure the concentration of haemoglobin in a sample of blood. It is primarily used in the field of hematology for various diagnostic and research purposes.
The haematinometer consists of a microscopic slide or special cuvette with a calibrated chamber. A small volume of blood is placed in the chamber, and the haemoglobin content is estimated by the absorption or transmission of light through the sample. The instrument is equipped with a light source, usually an incandescent lamp or LED, and a filter that allows only specific wavelengths of light to pass through the sample.
To perform a measurement using a haematinometer, the blood sample is placed in the chamber and evenly spread over the area. The chamber is then inserted into the instrument, and light is passed through the sample. The amount of light absorbed or transmitted is measured by a photodetector, which is then converted into a numeric value.
Haematinometers are typically used to determine the haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, and hematocrit level in a given sample. These measurements are crucial for assessing the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, diagnosing anemic conditions, monitoring blood disorders, and evaluating patient response to treatment.
Overall, the haematinometer serves as a valuable tool in the field of hematology, aiding healthcare professionals in the accurate assessment of blood parameters and facilitating vital diagnostic and research investigations.
The word "haematinometer" is derived from two separate terms: "haematin" and "meter".
1. "Haematin": This term is derived from the Greek word "haima", meaning "blood". "Haematin" refers to a pigment found in blood, known as hematin or haematin. Hematin is a combination of iron and a porphyrin compound called heme, which is responsible for the blood's red color. It plays a vital role in the transportation of oxygen through the bloodstream.
2. "Meter": This term originates from the Greek word "metron", which means "measure". In the context of "haematinometer", "meter" refers to an instrument used for measuring or assessing something.