• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.401-410
• /
• 2016

Since the late 19th century, scientific logic and techniques have been used extensively in the field of clinical pathology, including many laboratory tests utilizing various apparatuses and instruments. Among the techniques to measure hemoglobin, the visual color comparison method was most popular around this time; the specific gravity method and gasometric method were not widely adopted. Instruments that use the visual color comparison method include Gowers' hemoglobinometer, von Fleischl's hemoglobinometer, Dare's hemoglobinometer, Oliver's hemoglobinometer, Haden-Hausser hemoglobinometer, and Spencer Hb meter. Initially, the visual color comparison methods were used to diluate and hemolyze blood with distilled water and then to measure its color. Later, these methods were further developed to measure hemoglobin without dilution, and improved with the formation of acid or alkaline hematin ensuring the stability of color development. Hammerschlag's method as well as the Schmaltz and Peiper's methods were based on specific gravity measurement, but they were not widely used. The gasometric method used the Van Slyke gasometer, indirectly measuring the hemoglobin concentration. This method provides the most accurate results. This survey examined the characteristics and limitations of hemoglobinometers and methods used to measure hemoglobin from the late 19th century to the early-and mid-20th century. Moreover, this study aims to improve the understanding and applicability of the current methods and emerging technologies used in measuring hemoglobin. It is also expected that this investigation is the starting point to promote awareness of the need to organize historical data for a variety of historical relics of the diagnostic laboratory tests.